Buying a missal - new link
St. Emily and St. Thomas Becket Parishes
February 24, 2020
Dear Families,

I know that many of your children are getting more excited as they come closer to the celebration of the sacraments.

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 March 7 at 1:00 PM.
   
 
bookchapter
Exploring Chapter Three in your book.

This book is for second graders. 
If your child is not in second grade, they will continue to work with Mr. Mika, Mrs. Schiemann or Mrs. Nolan 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:
  • You have probably been trying to help your child become a good listener since he or she was about three years old! On page 30 is an exercise about this. Feel free to use any other techniques or connections that you know work with your child.
     
  • On pages 34-35, the steps in the Liturgy of the Word are summarized. Take this book with you to church on Sunday.  As the Liturgy proceeds, help your child identify what is happening at mass and compare that with what he or she is reading about in the book.
     
  • It helps your child to listen if he or she knows the stories from Scripture in advance.  Click on the calendar on the USCCB web site to find the readings for each Sunday. Select one or two to read with your child and discuss before mass.
     
  • Here is an online sorting game you can play to help your child become familiar with what happens when during the Liturgy of the Word.
Proclaiming the Word

In the Liturgy of the Word, we listen to the Word of God and, with the help of the homily, begin to apply it to our own lives.

Watch this cartoon version of the parable of the Prodigal Son, or perhaps read it together from the Bible in Luke 15:11-32.

Jesus told this story to make a point.  Help your child to answer: What was that point? How can you retell this story in your own words and help others to see the point of the story?



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.  

to buy the missal.

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.

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 photos.
  • $60 for St. Emily Religious Education students. This includes the photos 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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