Buying a missal - new link
St. Emily and St. Thomas Becket Parishes
February 11, 2019
Dear Families,

Despite the cold and wintry weather, First Communion will be here before we know it. I hope that you are enjoying this next step in preparation.

Please note that all information, including banner instructions , etc. is available on the  web page for First Eucharist .

Our next big step is the celebration of First Penance on February 23 at 1:00 PM.
   
bookchapter
Exploring Chapter Two in your book.

This book is for second graders. 
If your child is not in second grade, they will continue to work with Mrs. Schiemann on Wednesdays.
It is time to move to the next chapter in the book  you were given to use with your child at home.

Here are some ideas to help make the connections, as you work through the pages with your son or daughter:
  • On pages 19-21, help your child reflect on 'laying aside the burden of sin' in celebrating the Sacrament of Reconciliation. How does your child hope to feel God's love?
     
  • On pages 22-23, talk with the ways that your child is able to serve.  At this stage in a child's life, they love to help.  What kinds of help does your child already offer?  What are some ideas you can come up with now that they are older?
     
  • In the introductory rites of the Mass, we acknowledge our sins and failings and give glory to God for his mercy. Talk with your child about how we are forgiven for our minor sins at mass. 
     
  • Here is a matching game you can play to help your child become familiar with the vocabulary in this chapter.
Singing the Gloria

In chapter two, the beginning of the mass is covered.  We sing the Gloria (if it is not Advent or Lent.) 

Listen to this Gloria together. (It is a setting you might recognize from church. You might even want to sing with it!)

What are we praising God for? How are we doing so? Why are we doing so?  (You can find the words to the Gloria on page 73 of your book.)


postcommunionPrayer to say after receiving Communion

As the focus has shifted to the Eucharist for your child, it is a good time to introduce another prayer for your child to memorize.  This prayer can be said after receiving communion.

Of course, we can pray however we want after communion, but I have found that for children, having something definite 'in reserve' is a comforting thing for them.  

On page four of Prayers, Practices.... (a handbook for parents and families in our program) there are the choice of three prayers. All of these are honored in our tradition. 

Please choose one with your child and say it each night in the weeks leading up to communion.  You can remind your child that they are preparing for something wonderful and that this is a way to both anticipate that event and thank God for it.  

contrition
Praying the Act of Contrition

The students should be well on their way to knowing the Act of Contrition. Please make sure to help your son or daughter to meet the milestone of memorizing it.  If s/he has not done so, there is certainly still time to learn.  The best way is to say it at bedtime every night.  (In fact, it is a good practice for anyone to say it at the end of the day.)

My God, 
I am sorry for my sins 
with my whole heart. 
In choosing to do wrong 
and failing to do good, 
I have sinned against you 
who I should love above all things. 

I firmly intend with your help, 
to do penance, 
to sin no more, 
and to avoid whatever leads me to sin. 

Our Saviour Jesus Christ 
suffered and died for us. 
In his name, 
my God, have mercy.

rosary
Rosary
Makes a Wonderful First Communion Gift


We have commissioned rosaries for the parish of St. Emily.  Available with either blue or brown beads, these were crafted in Italy.  The crucifix is modeled on the one that hangs in the church and St. Emily is on the center medal.

This would make a great First Communion gift for any communicant.

These are available at the St. Emily parish office for $25.00 each.


missal missal2Buying a Missal for Your Child

At our meeting, I suggested that you might want to buy a missal for your child now.  It will help him or her to learn the mass prayers as s/he follows along.  And then, Amazon seemed to be sold out.

black cover edition.

white cover edition.

Have You Paid the First Communion Fee?
Please pay as soon as you can
  • $40 for St. Emily School students. This includes the photo. The school tuition covers some of the materials cost.
  • $50 for St. Thomas Becket parishioners. This does not include the photo.
  • $60 for St. Emily Religious Education students. This includes the photo and all materials not covered by the tuition.
You can pay by check made out to St. Emily, or  you can pay through E-Giving.

Please contact  Cathy Crino with any questions.

Quick Links
St. Emily Parish
Catherine Crino, DRE
847-299-5865
St. Thomas Becket Parish
Renata Sosin, CRE
847-296-9051
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