Religious Education >Preparation & Celebration of First Reconciliation & Eucharist with Children

Policies and Guidelines

"Christ's call to conversion continues to resound in the lives of Christians" (CCC #1428)

Evangelization is an ongoing process through which a person experiences a profound conversion and as a result develops a deeper relationship with God and the community. This conversion moves a person toward a more active participation in the mission of Christ and the Church. The reception of sacraments within the Roman Catholic tradition is a significant moment in this process of evangelization.

The time of preparation for and celebration of the sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist provides a tremendous opportunity for conversion to take place in the candidates, their families and the entire faith community. During the process, children can be challenged to begin a life of continuous growth in faith through these sacraments. Parents can fulfill their role as the primary teachers of their children in the ways of the faith within the domestic Church. The parish can become a community of faith that supports the candidates during preparation and renews its own commitment at the celebration of these sacrament In order to fully realize this vision through the preparation of children for the first reception of the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist, the following policy, guidelines and options for preparation and celebration are offered for the Diocese of Jefferson City.

Policy:

Parishes are to follow the liturgical and Canon Law guidelines of the Church regarding the preparation and celebration of the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist.

• Children must have reached the age of reason before they enter the process of preparation.
  
  
• The celebration of First Eucharist shall be preceded by the celebration of First Reconciliation for all baptized candidates. (Canon 914, The Code of Canon Law)
  
  
• In order to be adequately prepared to receive Reconciliation children must "be so disposed that, having repudiated the sins committed and having a purpose of amendment, they are converted to God." (Canon 987, The Code of Canon Law)
  
  
• In order to be adequately prepared to receive the Eucharist children must "understand the Mystery of Christ according to their capacity and …[be able to] receive the Body of Christ with faith and devotion." (Canon 913, The Code of Canon Law)
  
  
• The active participation of parents as the primary catechists for their children is to be recognized and cultivated in the process of preparation.
  
  
• The parish, the community of faith within which the preparation and celebration happens, is to be intimately connected with the candidates and families during the process of preparation and at the celebration.