First Eucharist

+ 2010 +
St. Mary Parish
http://www.saintmaryeucharist10.blogspot.com

THE PREPARATION PROCESS

Preparation for your childs first sharing in the Eucharist takes place in three ways:
At the parish, through your childs regular textbook in
Religious Education program or
Waukesha Catholic schools
In your home, using Gods Gift: Eucharist
By participating in the First Eucharist Parent/child
evenings and Retreat

SCHEDULE FOR 2010

Enrollment Prayer Service
Tuesday, January 26
Parents and Children
6:30 7:45 PM
Church
Formation Evening I
Parents and Children Begins with Pot Luck Dinner
Tuesday, February 23
6:00 7:45 PM
Community Room
Formation Evening II
Parents and Children
Monday, March 29
6:30 7:45 PM
Community Room
First Eucharist Retreat
Saturday, April 17
Parents and Children
9:00 AM Noon
Community Room
Rehearsals
Saturday, May 1
For 9:00 AM Liturgy 9:00 AM
For 11 AM Liturgy 10:30 AM
Church

Celebration of First Eucharist

At Parish Masses
Sunday, May 2 9:00 & 11:00 AM
Church
A form to indicate the Mass time you wish to choose for your childs First Eucharist is included at the
end of this document. Please return it at your earliest convenience. Space at each liturgy is limited to
33 families and will be assigned on first-come-first-served basis. It is due by April 1.
The class picture will be taken at 10:15 AM in the Gymnasium on May 2. You will be given the
opportunity to purchase this picture. An order form will be distributed at the March 29 Formation
Evening.
ATTIRE FOR FIRST EUCHARIST CELEBRATIONS
BOYS: White Shirt, dark tie (need not be a solid color), dark pants

GIRLS: White dresses of any type. In keeping with the spirit of the liturgy of Vatican II it is strongly
suggested that veils not be worn. This custom dates back to women covering their heads in church. Since this
is no longer a practice, it makes veils unnecessary. Additionally, it creates confusion between First Eucharist
and the custom of a bride being veiled. The children will be carrying lighted candles in the opening
procession of the First Eucharist liturgy, and the danger of the veils catching fire also exits. Because the girls
are not familiar with wearing something on their head, they often become preoccupied with their veil, taking
away from the proper focus on the celebration. Flowers or a white bow are suitable. No gloves may be
worn.
SEATING
Families will be seated together at the First Eucharist liturgies. A seating reservation form will be distributed
at the March 29 Formation Evening. Seats will be assigned according to group size and pew capacity.
FIRST COMMUNION GIFTS
For your convenience, a gift catalog will be made available as soon as they arrive from Stempers, our supplier.
Orders will be taken and you will be notified when they arrive.
FAMILY BANNER
Each family will make a banner to mark their pew in church at the First Eucharist liturgy. Instructions for the
banners will be distributed at the February 23 Formation Evening.
BAPTISMAL CANDLES
The children will carry a lighted candle in the opening procession of the First Eucharist liturgy. If you have the
baptismal candle from when he or she celebrated this sacrament, it may be used. If you cannot locate their
candle, we will supply you with a similar one for a nominal fee.

First Eucharist Date Choice

Childs Name: _______________________

Sunday, May 2 9:00 AM

Sunday, May 2 11:00 AM

Space at each liturgy is limited to 33 families and will be assigned on first-come-firstserved basis. It is due by April 1.
By mail St. Mary RE Office, 225 S. Hartwell Ave. 53186
Or send an email to - jgill@stmarywk.org
http://www.saintmaryeucharist10.blogspot.com/

___/___ date received

_________ #