Reflecting on the Paschal Mystery
The group pondered the Paschal Mystery— Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection by 
looking at crucifixes that families brought from their homes. The families looked at and discussed the similarities and differences in the crucifixes. The reflection helped connect the families to one another knowing they have a shared faith life. The children decorated their own wooden crosses during the retreat.
Preparing for a Deeper Participation
The families learned about and reflected on key moments of the Holy Mass. Each child personalized and filled a keepsake box with items representing moments of the Mass. For example, a tiny replica of the Book of the Gospels, a golden chalice, a beautiful paten, and a booklet accompanying these items as a guide for the Mass. The Mass box and the booklet also serves as teaching tools their parents can use with them at home.
The Man and the Vine
The parents and children listened to a reading from the book The Man and the Vine. From the time he prepares the soil for planting, a man prays over his vines and the grapes they produce, until he finally tastes the wine that has been made from the juice and transformed into a blessing from Heaven. The book includes facts about Holy Communion and the Eucharistic.
Let’s Pray Together
Throughout the retreat, the children and families prayed together in community. We invite you, our parish community, to pray for the children and their families as the continue to prepare to receive First Holy Communion on the weekend of April 21 – 22, 2018.
Then Jesus declared, ‘I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty’.John 6:35
All children preparing for First Communion are invited to a dress rehearsal which includes a group photo 6:00 – 7:00 P.M. on Friday, April 20, 2018 at Saint Patrick Catholic Church.
