Buying a missal - new link
St. Emily and St. Thomas Becket Parishes
January 28, 2019
Dear Families,

We hope that you enjoyed our Family Event and that Pinocchio gave you a lot to talk about!  If you were not able to join us, then you will receive the materials through your child's classroom this week.

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

The celebration of First Penance will be February 23 at 1:00 PM.
   
bookchapter
Starting to work in the First Eucharist book at home

This book is for second graders. 
If your child is not in second grade, they will continue to work with Mrs. Schiemann on Wednesdays.

The kids are usually pretty excited to get started.

Take a few minutes to acquaint yourself with the book.  Besides chapters that help students learn about the mass and the sacrament, there is a section at the back with all the mass prayers. There is also a 'sticker' project, where they can put the items they see in church in place on the diagram.

Here are some ideas to help make the connections, as you work through the first chapter with your son or daughter:
  • On pages 12-13, see how many of the sacraments your child can name. What happens in each one?  (If he or she doesn't know all of them, don't worry.  They will be covered in depth in the grades to come.)
  • On pages 14-15, the communion of saints is mentioned.  How did you choose your child's name?  What saint is he or she named after? What can you find out online about this saint?
  • Here is a matching game you can play to help your child recognize the symbols that go with each sacrament of initiation.
Using a video of baptism to tell the story

As you begin to work on Chapter One with your child, you might want to bring out pictures, video or other remembrances of his or her baptism.

You child might have been to a baptism of a sibling or cousin, and can tell you what he or she remembers.

However, you might want to watch this video together, so that your child can visualize the ceremony and what it means.



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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