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Celebrating
God's Grace:
Penance and Reconciliation
Eucharist
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St. Emily and St. Thomas Becket Parishes
April 13,2020
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Dear Families,
We hope that you had a joyous - if unusual - Easter.
Now we feel like pros (maybe bored and impatient pros) at living the new normal. Who knows when we will go back to what we used to call 'normal'?
I realize that there is a little sadness that the planned First Communion celebrations this Sunday and next will not be happening. We don't know when these might be rescheduled, of course. We will let you know and give you ample warning as soon as we can make a decision.
In all this commotion,
I would like to underscore that you are more important that ever is preparing your child for the sacraments.
- You are the one home with them. As you help them keep up with their other lessons, you have an important part to play in helping them finish the 'classroom' portion of the First Communion program;
- You are the one who can help your child to pray and to follow the mass online. (Make sure you check out Magnifikid; the digital edition is online for free right now);
- Your example of patient waiting is the key in helping your child both weather the disappointment of postponing the celebration and keeping alive the joy and anticipation of receiving the sacraments.
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Exploring Chapter Six in your book.
This book is for second graders.
If your child is not in second grade, feel free to use the ideas and the videos, of course.
With this chapter, we finish up 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:
- The chapter begins with a discussion of the Paschal Candle and the Light of Christ. Ask your child if he or she knows where to find it in the church. You are going to have to Google a picture this year, as we can't go to church to see it.
- Speak with your child about receiving the Light of Christ, 'entrusted to you', when they were baptized. Get out the baptism candle and talk about how it was lit from the Paschal candle that year. Light it again and pray, "Help me to share your Light, O Lord."
- When your child does receive the Lord in the Eucharist, how can they continue to share Christ's presence when they leave church?
- If you have not finished using the stickers in the back of the book, now is the time to put them all in their places!
- Here is a sorting game your child can play online.
Taking the Body of Christ Into the World
We receive the Eucharist so that it forms us more and more into the Body of Christ. That presence of Christ is needed in the world and our job is to bring it there. As St. Teresa of Avila reminded us,
Christ has no body now on earth but yours; no hands but yours; no feet but yours. Yours are the eyes through which the compassion of Christ must look out on the world. Yours are the feet with which He is to go about doing good. Yours are the hands with which He is to bless His people.
Help your child to think of ways that he or she can be that presence of Christ. Of course, Jesus was very clear that this is exactly what he is expecting of us! This video illustrating Matthew 25 is another way to help your child brainstorm.
Receiving the Eucharist - How to - and why!
In classes, we often practice how to receive. This year, it is up to you to work on 'technique.' You might enjoy seeing this video with your child. (It has its funny moments!) Then, practice at home. Kids enjoy the practice, and the excitement that leads to the big day.
It is also a way to reinforce for your child that the point of the day isn't the clothes, although they will look special, or the party, even though that will be fun, or the presents, although everyone likes presents.
The point, obviously, is to receive the Body and Blood of the Lord - more special, more important, more exciting, than anything else could be.
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Prayer to say after receiving Communion
In this time of waiting, it makes sense to continue to work on a prayer to say after receiving Communion. It reinforces that the day will come - although we don't know quite when. These prayers are not that specific, and can be prayed at any time.
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.
Please choose one with your child and say it each night. 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.
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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.
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Buying 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.
Bringing their 'special book' to church is an encouragement and great assist for children in learning the prayers of the mass and how to follow along.
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Have You Paid the First Communion Fee?
Please pay as soon as you can
- $50 for St. Thomas Becket parishioners. This does not include the photo.
- $60 for St. Emily school and Religious Education students. This includes the photo and all materials not covered by the tuition.
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St. Emily Parish
Catherine Crino, DRE
847-299-5865
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St. Thomas Becket Parish
Renata Sosin, CRE
847-296-9051
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