“First Eucharist is one of the three sacraments of initiation into the church.  The Eucharist is the heart and summit of the Church's life.  Holy Communion  (not referring to First Communion but the sacred sacrament of Holy Communion) preserves, increases, and renews the life of grace received at Baptism.”  (from the Catechism of the Catholic Church)    For the grace of the Eucharist to unfold within the child, the parents' help is essential.  Understanding and appreciation for the sacrament is necessary.  To help the child grow in understanding and appreciation, Immaculate Conception Church in New Richmond has adopted  the following policies.

The parent(s)/guardian(s) must be a registered member(s) of  Immaculate Conception or St. Patrick’s    parish.  When a
        family registers in the parish, your child must have been involved with a Faith Formation   program of their previous
        parish in grades 1 and 2.
The Mass is the cornerstone on which a family's Sacramental life is created.  Therefore, regular church  attendance is expected.
The child must be Baptized and proof of the Baptism must be given to the Sacramental Coordinator by the assigned date.
The child must attend one of the Faith Formation programs offered by  Immaculate Conception or St. Patrick’s parish or
        by a previous parish in grades 1 and 2.  (Examples of programs:  Sunday School,   Christian Formation 2-5, or St. Mary's
        School).  Children older than 2nd grade who wish to receive the sacrament will meet with the Sacramental Coordinator to
        determine the child's faith development level then proceed through the sacramental program on an individual basis.
The parent(s)/guardian(s) and child must attend an orientation meeting and a Sacramental interview day.  See calendar
        for dates.
The parent(s)/guardian(s) and child need to work together to fulfill the requirements of the parish.
 If there needs to be an exception to the policy, the parent(s)/guardian(s) and child must meet with the Director of      Catechesis and Faith Formation, Sacramental Coordinator and Pastor to determine necessary action.  If there is a feeling that the child is not ready to receive the sacrament then the reception of the sacrament will be postponed until the child is prepared and ready to receive the sacrament.
 

Children preparing to make their First Reconciliation must be enrolled in second grade.   Children  that are older may also receive the sacrament but need to notify the Sacramental Coordinator.  Details with more information will be given at the required scheduled meetings.  See calendar for dates.

REQUIREMENTS

STUDENTS:
Regular attendance in the Family Catechesis  program or St.Mary’s programs in grades 1 & 2. (Refer to attendance guidelines )
Prepare for the sacrament during Lent by praying and learning about forgiveness, understanding the Mass process and learning appropriate prayers.
Attend Mass on a regular basis.
Attend one parent/guardian and child orientation meeting and one interview day. See calendar for dates.
Complete and return the parish provided workbook and projects assigned by the Sacramental  Coordinator by dates set by the Sacramental Coordinator.

PARENTS:
Attend one parent/guardian and child orientation meeting and one interview day. See calendars for dates.
Work with your child to complete and return parish provided workbook and two projects assigned by the Sacramental Coordinator by the date assigned by the Sacramental Coordinator.
Attend Mass regularly with your child to help prepare them spiritually. Discuss what it means to forgive as well as to be forgiven.
Attend the sacrament of First Reconciliation with your child.  See calendar for details.
In addition to the above requirements, Immaculate Conception parish has adopted policies to help your child have a rich and meaningful sacramental experience.  Please read the policies over carefully.