St. Cyril of Jerusalem

Sacraments of Reconciliation & Holy Eucharist

Preparation Guide

2014-2015

Do this in memory of me…

TABLE OF CONTENTS

TOPICPAGE

DRE Letter………………………………………………………………...... 3

Sacrament Preparation Information………………………………………....4

YourRole as Parent…………………………………………………...... 4

The Sacrament of Reconciliation…………………………………………....5

Reconciliation Guide For Children ………………………………………....5-7

Making Good Choices…………………………………...... 5

We are Tempted to Sin………………………………………6

Jesus Forgives Our Sins...... 6
Conscience: Our Inner voice...... 6

Ten Commandments…………………………………………7

Going to Confession...... 7-8

An Examination of Conscience for Children………………..7, 8
Act of Contrition...... 8

Absolution by the Priest……………………………………...8

Essential Prayers...... 9

Format for the Sacrament of Reconciliation...... 10
Day of the Sacrament...... 11

The Sacrament of Holy Eucharist...... 12
Day of the Sacrament of Eucharist...... 12

Reception of First Eucharist for Catholic School Students....13

Preparation Program Goals……………...... 13
About the Eucharist...... 13
Teaching Your Child About the Mass...... 14
PREP Level 2Curriculum...... 15
Learning Objectives...... 15-16

“Finding God” Textbook Units...... 15-16

SAINT CYRIL OF JERUSALEM CATHOLIC CHURCH

Parish Religious Education Office

1410 Almshouse Road; Jamison, PA 18929

Telephone: 215-343-3139 Fax: 215-343-3924

Dear Parents and Guardians,

I am delighted to welcome you to the second year in your child’s religious education at St. Cyril’s PREP. This is a very special year for your child’s faith development and one in which your child will experience for the first time the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Also, they will have the privilege of receiving for the first time the Sacrament of Holy Eucharist – the source and summit of our Catholic faith.

We will continue to use the Loyola Press program“Finding God-Our Response to God’s Gifts.” Through this series your child and will enter into a deeper relationship with God and the Catholic Church.

As parents, you will need to be involved throughout the year in leading and guiding your children with their religious studies and being an example of a true follower of Jesus Christ. I implore you to devote the same or more time than youdo for their extracurricular activities to help them to grow in their love and knowledge of God.

This guide as been prepared as a resource for your use throughout the year and contains pertinent information about your child’s privilege of receiving the sacraments. Should you have questions please do not hesitate to contact your child’s catechist, our PREP staff or me.

+ May Christ enlighten your hearts and minds, now and for ever.

Deacon Joe

Deacon Joseph T. Owen, MA

Director of Religious Education

SACRAMENT PREPARATION INFORMATION

1)Archdiocese of Philadelphia Policy for the reception of sacraments;

  • A student must attend two (2) consecutive years of Religious Education in order to be eligible to receive the Sacraments of Reconciliation (Penance), Holy Eucharist and Confirmation.
  • Each parish within the Archdiocese prepares their own sacramental program within the guidelines promulgated by the Archdiocese.
  • Children are required to receive the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Eucharist, Confirmation) in the parish in which their family is registered.

2)St. Cyril of Jerusalem Policy for the reception of sacraments:

  • Children must be baptized
  • Family registration in St. Cyril of Jerusalem parish is required
  • Parents should be active participants of their Catholic faith and regularly attend Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation
  • Students exhibiting chronic absences, lateness, or who is a persistent discipline problem may have their reception of the sacraments deferred until the following year or later.
  • Each family will receive a booklet explaining the sacraments preparation procedures.
  • Parents’ participation in the preparation process is critical and they are expected to assist their children with the preparation materials sent home as well as to attend parent meetings.
  • Preparation for the reception of a sacrament is a time of prayerful reflection and discernment. A participant’s desire to receive the sacrament is reflected in his or her positive attitude toward the preparation process. Thus proper attendance and behavior are expected.

YOUR ROLE AS PARENT AND PRIMARY EDUACATOR OF YOUR CHILDREN & THE CHURCH

“Parents must be acknowledged as the first and foremost educators of their children. Their role is so decisive that scarcely anything can compensate for their failure in it.” (Declaration on Christian Education-Vatican II)

“Parents have the right and duty to be intimately involved in preparing their children for First Communion. Catechesis aims to help parents grow in understanding and appreciation of the Eucharist and participate in catechizing their children.” (Sharing the Light of Faith” National Catechetical Director for Catholics in the U.S. 1979)

THE SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION

First Reconciliation will be celebrated on Saturday, January 24, 2015 at 10:30 a.m.

Candidates registered in St. Cyril’s parish and attend Catholic School may receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation at the Catholic School they attend or at St. Cyril’s.

Reconciliation Guide for Children

PARENTS – This Reconciliation Guide has been adapted from the Loyola Press text which is used to prepare young children for the Sacrament of Reconciliation. You are being provided with this adaptation to assist you with preparing your child for the Sacrament of Reconciliation and will reinforce what your child will learn in PREP class. This sacrament of forgiveness may be difficult to comprehend for many children but with your assistance and working with your child he/she will learn the essence of the sacrament and will become comfortable in making their first reconciliation.

Making Good Choices

In Baptism, we begin to live as followers of Jesus. We live as his disciples. As Jesus’ disciples, we want to make good choices. The Holy Spirit guides us in making good choices because He is our special helper.

Some choices are easy. I might choose whether to eat an apple or a banana for lunch. Otherchoices are not so easy. Sometimes I have to choose between what’s right and what’s wrong. This is called making a moral choice.

If I’m not sure a choice is a good one, this is what I do:

1. I stop before I act

2. I think about the Ten Commandments

3. I ask help from my parents, my teacher, a priests or a deacon

4. I pray to the Holy Spirit to help me choose.

We are Tempted to Sin

Even when we try to make good choices, sometimes we are tempted. We are tempted to act in ways that hurt ourselves or other people. When we turn away from God’s laws, we sin. Sin hurts our friendship with God.

Sometimes turning away from God and others can be very serious. It is a mortal sin. A mortal sin is a serious choice to turn away from God’s laws. It cuts us off from God’s love and grace. We must confess mortal sins to apriest and receive absolution.

Sometimes we can turn away from God and others in a less serious way. Then we commit a venial sin. Every time we sin, we hurt our friendship with God and with others.

Jesus always loves us, even if we sin. Jesus looks into our hearts. He sees that we are good. If we do something wrong and we are sorry, Jesus forgives us. Jesus gives us another chance.

Something to think about: Mistakes and Accidents are Not Sins.

Jesus Forgives Our Sins

Jesus wants to forgive our sins. We come to Jesus for forgiveness in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. In this sacrament, we confess our sins to a priest. He forgives us in Jesus’ name. The grace we have lost is given back to us.

In the Sacrament of Reconciliation, Jesus comforts us. He strengthens us on our journey. We are reconciled with God, with the Church, and with the people we have hurt. Through this sacrament the Church celebrates Jesus’ gift of forgiveness.

Something to think about: Only Bishops and Priests can forgive sins in Jesus’ name.

Conscience: Our Inner Voice

Conscience is a voice within each of us. It helps us to know what God wants us to do. It helps us know the difference between right or wrong. The Holy Spirit helps us to listen to and follow our conscience.

Before we celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation, we prepare ourselves. We examine our conscience.

Here is a way to examine your conscience before going to confession:

• Pray to the Holy Spirit for help.

• Review the Ten Commandments and the teachings of the Church

• Think about the times you did not act as a loving child of God.

• Think about the sins you are going to confess.

After your examination of conscience, you are ready to go to confession.

Something to think about: The priest can never tell anyone what he has heard in confession. This is called the Seal of Confession.

THE TEN COMMANDMENTS

1.I am, the Lord your God. You shall not have other gods besides me.

2.You shall not take the name of the Lord God in vain

3.Remember to keep holy the Lord's Day

4.Honor (obey) your father and your mother

5.You shall not kill

6.You shall not commit adultery (respect your body)

7.You shall not steal

8.You shall not bear false witness (lie)

9. You shall not covet (desire) your neighbor's wife

10. You shall not covet (desire) your neighbor's goods

When you go to Confession… you are showing you want to receive forgiveness He offers. The priest will help you remember what to say and do and teach you how to avoid sin in the future. Before going to confession take some time to think about your sins, especially serious ones. This is known as the Examination of Conscience.

An Examination of Conscience for Children

Responsibilities to God:

Have I prayed every day?
Have I prayed my morning prayers and night prayers?
Have I prayed with my parents and family?
Have I been moody and rebellious about praying and going to church on Sunday?
Have I asked the Holy Spirit to help me whenever I have been tempted to sin?
Have I asked the Holy Spirit to help me do what is right?

Examination of Conscience for Children (cont’d)

Responsibilities to others:

Have I been obedient and respectful to my parents?
Have I lied or been deceitful to them or to others?
Have I been arrogant, stubborn or rebellious?
Have I talked back to parents, teachers or other adults?
Have I pouted and been moody?
Have I been selfish toward my parents, brothers, and sisters,
teachers, or my friends and schoolmates?
Have I gotten angry at them? Have I hit anyone?
Have I held grudges or not forgiven others?
Have I treated other children with respect or have I bullied them, made fun of them and called them names?
Have I used bad language?
Have I stolen anything? Have I returned it?
Have I performed my responsibilities, such as homework and household chores?
Have I been helpful and affectionate toward my family?
HaveI been kind and generous with my friends?

Act of Contrition (to be memorized)

I am sorry for my sins with all my heart.

in choosing to do wrong, and failing to do good

I have sinned against you,

whom I should love above all things.

I firmly intend, with your help,

to do penance,

To sin no more,

and to avoid whatever leads me to sin. Amen.

Absolution by the Priest

God, the Father of mercies, through the death and resurrection of his Son has reconciled the world to himself and sent the Holy Spirit among us for the forgiveness of sins; through the ministry of the Church may God give you pardon and peace, and I absolve you from your sins in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

ESSENTIAL PRAYERS (to be memorized)

Sign of the Cross: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.

The Lord’s Prayer/Our Father

Our Father, Who art in Heaven, hallowed be Thy name; Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven. Giveus this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.

The Hail Mary

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee, blessed art thou amongst women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

Glory Be to the Father

Glory is to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

FORMAT FOR THE SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION:

(Text in red is to be said by the child)

PENITENT (child): In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

PRIEST: May the Lord be in your heart and help you to confess your sins with sorrow.

PENITENT: Bless me Father for I have sinned. This is my first confession. [Note: for future confessions: It has been (number of months)since my last confession.]

PENITENT: At this time confess your sins.

PRIEST: The priest gives a penance, and then asks the penitent to say the Act of Contrition (Sorrow)

PENITENT: My God, I am sorry for my sins with all my heart.

In choosing to do wrong and failing to do good,

I have sinned against you whom I should love above all things.

I firmly intend, with your help, to do penance, to sin no more

And to avoid whatever leads me to sin. Amen

PENTENT:Listen to the priest as he gives you some advice on how to do

be a better follower of Jesus

PRIEST:Gives absolution praying the words: “God, the Father of Mercies, through the death and resurrection of His Son, has reconciled the world to himself and sent the Holy Spirit among us for the forgiveness of sins; through the ministry of the Church, may God give you pardon and peace and… I absolve you from your sins and bless you…in the name of Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”

PENITENT: Amen

PRIEST: Give thanks to the Lord

PENITENT: His mercy endures forever.

PRIEST: The Lord freed you from your sins. Go in peace.

PENITENT: Thank you, Father.

ON THE DAY OF THE SACRAMENT

  • All children are to arrive no later than 10:15 a.m. as the Sacrament of Reconciliation is scheduled to be administered at 10:30 a.m.
  • Upon arrival report to the registration table in the Narthex
  • DRESS CODE - All children, parents/guardians, quests are required to dress appropriately in recognition of the sacredness of the sacrament. Please no jeans, sports attire, sneakers, T-shirts, etc.
  • SEATING – Families are to proceed to the front of the Church and select a pew on either side of the center aisle.
  • CONFESSION PROCEDURE– parents/guardians will lead their child to receive the sacrament and when they approach the priest they will introduce their child and present him/her for the reception of the sacrament.
  • Upon completion of the reception of the sacrament, the child will return to the family’s pew and pray the prayer of penance. During this time parents should not speak with the child and create a quiet time.
  • PARENTAL BLESSING OF THE CHILD – parents are invited to proceed to the baptismal font located to the left of the sanctuary to bless their child. To perform the blessing…each parent is to dip their thumb into the blessed water and trace the sign of the cross on their child’s forehead. A card containing the words of the blessing will be at the font.
  • Teachers and the PREP staff will be available to assist parents/guardians.
  • Parents/guardians are invited to partake in the Sacrament of Reconciliation after all the children have done so.
  • Parents/guardians and child may leave immediately after the child and/or parents/guardians confessions.
  • The Children’s FIRST RECONCILIATION CERTIFICATE will be available in the Narthex

THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY EUCHARIST

Sunday,April 19, 2015 within the 12:00 p.m. Mass. Candidates for this date are required to participate in a First Eucharist practice on Thursday, April 16th at 6:30 p.m.

Sunday,April 26, 2015 within the 12:00 p.m. Mass. Candidates for this date are required to participate in a First Eucharist practice on Thursday, April 23th at 6:30 p.m.

NOTE:First Eucharist Dates will be assigned for the candidates and parents will be notified no later than November 3, 2014

All candidates are required to participate in the First Eucharist Retreat on Saturday, March 28, 2015, 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 pm.

ON THE DAY OF THE SACRAMENT …

  • Candidates are to arrive no later than 11:15 a.m. and proceed directly to the daily Mass Chapel.
  • DRESS CODE - – Please be mindful of the sacredness of the Sacrament of Holy Eucharist and that reverence and respect are always required.

GIRLS – are little innocent children and should be dressed age appropriately. White dresses and white shoes are to be worn. The dress should cover the shoulders, no gowns with trains, no backless shoes or heels (could be unsafe as the child will climb the altar steps).

BOYS – boys are required to wear a suit or sports coat and dress pants slacks (parent’s choice of color) and a white tie. Dress shoes are to be worn, no sneakers, flip flops, sandals, etc.

  • SEATING – Children receiving their First Eucharist will be seated in the center two aisles. Families are to proceed to the front of the Church and select a pew on either side of the center aisle.
  • NO FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY WILL BE PERMITTED DURING THE MASS…

FRANK BARBERA PHOTOGRAPHY & VIDEO will be located in the PREP classroom in the lower level of the rectory on both Sunday’s April 19th and April 26th. Appointments may be scheduled by calling 215-345-8388.

  • All mobile phones and other electronic devices should be deactivated during the Mass.

RECEPTION OF FIRST EUCHARIST FOR CATHOLIC SCHOOL STUDENTS

Candidates registered in St. Cyril’s parish and are attending Catholic School and are in the grade in which Eucharist preparation is conducted must receive the Sacrament of the Eucharist at St. Cyril’s parish.