First Reconciliation & First Eucharist

First Reconciliation
Like all sacraments, the sacrament of Reconciliation is an encounter with God that we experience in the midst of our community of faith, the Church.  Children are more successfully initiated into the regular celebration of the Sacrament if they see their parents and families model the value of it by celebrating it themselves.  You can read more about the Sacrament of Reconciliation by clicking here.

First Eucharist
We all know how important First Eucharist is. Families look forward to seeing their child receiving the bread and wine for the first time. It is central to our tradition because it announces that this person can now do what everyone else does at Mass, come forward to be fed by God.

In the early Church it was the final step in initiation. The sacrament a person received when they were finally ready to understand the gift God offers to us all. Today it has become such a big event that often the celebration of First Eucharist for the child overshadows the reason for it. The purpose is to initiate the child into the Catholic faith. It marks a step along the way of coming to know how closely God is involved in our lives. God who gives us life itself provides the very nourishment that will enable us to be good, yes holy – whole, human beings. The First Eucharist program at St. Patrick parish is designed to help families give their children a way to experience faith as something they can recognize and grow with.

The programs of preparation for receiving the Sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Eucharist at St. Patrick Parish assist the parents in their primary role as first educators of their children in the faith.  The program for preparation for these sacraments consists of three classes in the fall for First Reconciliation and three classes in the Spring for First Eucharist.  In addition, those receiving the sacrament of First Eucharist must also attend a retreat.

You can download and print a copy of the schedule of events surrounding the preparation and celebration of these sacraments with your children by clicking on the link below.

You can download and print a copy of the registration form for preparation classes by clicking on the link below.  Please fill out the form and return it to the parish office.
12 Main Street
Pelham, NH 03076

For more information about this program, please contact our Faith Life Director, Adam Castor at 603-635-1447 or e-mail faithlifeformation@comcast.net

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