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Questions? Contact Us
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CGS Parish OfficeReception Desk
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dlealcgscc.churchAssociate Director of Children Evangelization & Discipleship
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Initial Interview Discussion Questions and Request Form
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Reconciliation Role Play Video
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First Reconciliation and First Holy Eucharist (Communion)for Children and Youth
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Welcome!
Our parish practices a year 'round preparation for first sacraments. There is no "best time" to prepare, and you haven't missed anything if you begin late or early in the year. The Church shares your desire that the saving grace of the sacraments be given to children, provided they are sufficiently prepared and understand that Jesus is truly present in the Eucharist. Children learn by attending Mass with their families, so they learn how to pray as a community and celebrate the sacraments regularly. Sacramental preparation is a joyful time for the child and the entire family, and an opportunity for all family members to fully practice their faith by receiving all the sacraments appropriate for their age level. We commend parents and guardians and encourage them to take seriously their role of making their Catholic households a place where faith is passed on to the next generation. We are here to accompany your family in this faith journey. -
First Steps: Candidate Requirements
- Baptized Catholic, age 7-17 years old.
- Is baptized Catholic (if not, we will work with you).
- Regularly attends Mass with his/her family.
- Has expressed a desire to receive the Eucharist.
- Has an age-appropriate knowledge and understanding:
- Knows Jesus--has a basic understanding of his life, death, and resurrection.
- Knows what prayer is and spends time each day in prayer, with parent's help.
- Is acquainted with bible stories and can talk about their favorite stories in their own words.
- Has a basic understanding of "right and wrong;" is familiar with the Ten Commandments and the moral teachings of the Church.
When your child has reached these goals, we can begin next steps in preparation for the sacraments. If your child is not yet ready, this is not a cause for worry. We will gladly work with you and your child until your family is ready.
Meanwhile, we ask that families participate in the life of the parish in worship, service, and social gatherings whenever possible. All families are asked to do a portion of the CGS FAMILY Guides each week, which is our ongoing faith formation for all Catholics and are delivered to every family via email each week. By being involved in small Faith Groups, families have the opporunity to grow in faith, help one another, and prepare their children for these wonderful sacraments! -
First Steps: Parent Requirements
- Regularly attending Mass and praying together at home as a family.
- Registered in the parish with current contact information; see Parish Resources on this website or register in person at the parish office.
- Receiving and using the CGS FAMILY Guides, which is our regular Faith Formation for all. We will help you as needed.
- Willingness to help your child prepare for the sacraments and practice the Catholic faith.
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Next Steps: When You and Your Child Are Ready
- Complete the "First Reconciliation & First Eucharist Initial Interview Request Form" (see link on this page) and provide a copy of your child's Baptism Certificate to Jackie Coba at (jcoba@cgscc.church) or drop it off at the parish office marked: "Attention: Jackie Coba." (If your child was baptized at Christ the Good Shepherd, we can look up the record). When these two items are received and verified, you will be contacted to agree on a time for a personal visit and readiness review with you and your child.
- To get ready for this readiness review, see the link in the column to the left: Interview Discussion Questions
- Participate in the group sessions with other children and their families (about 5 times a year) and assist your child with at-home assignments and activities. Details will be given when we meet with you. (This process may be modified for older candidates and those with special needs.)
- When these are complete and the child is ready to receive the sacraments, we will schedule the celebrations with you.
What does "ready" mean?
"To be ready" means the person has a firm foundation in the beliefs of the Catholic Faith appropriate for their age. With your personal interview and periodic conversations with you and your child, together we can determine when your child is ready.
IF YOU NEED HELP, PLEASE ASK!
We are here to serve you. -
From the Catholic Church's Code of Canon Law
For First Reconciliation (Confession) and First Holy Eucharist (Communion) to be administered to children, the child must have sufficient knowledge, desire to celebrate and be accurately prepared, so that according to their capacity they understand what the mystery of Christ means, and are able to receive reconciliation and the Body of the Lord with faith and devotion. (No. 913 & 914).
It is primarily the duty of the parents and those who take their place, as it is the duty of the parish priest, to ensure that children who have reached the use of reason are properly prepared, and having made their sacramental confession, are nourished by this divine food as soon as possible. It is also the duty of the parish priest to see that children who have not reached the use of reason, or whom he has judged to be insufficiently disposed, do not come to Holy Communion. (No. 914).
In the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston, children must be prepared for and given the opportunity for First Reconciliation before receiving First Communion.