Preparing for the Sacraments of Reconciliation, Confirmation and First Eucharist
From the age of seven, children may begin to discern their readiness
to prepare to receive these sacraments. Some ways which parents can walk alongside their children in this discernment and preparation time are presented below.
Here is something to tell your children about their discernment:
Through your Baptism, God has already CHOSEN you and CALLED you
and CONSECRATED you. But now He is inviting you to step deeper into His light and Love. He wants to come closer to you and for you to come closer to Him.
This is a special time for you to decide do you want to say YES to this special invitation? Do you want to say YES to his call to follow him and
to spread his light and his love wherever you are? How do you know if you are ready? Do you have to be perfect? No. Do you have to know everything there is to know about God? No. You just have to want to say YES.
The Sacraments of Confirmation and Holy Communion are, along with Baptism, the Rites of Initiation of the Catholic Church. A great place to start this journey is with remembering our Baptism. This is a wonderful thing to do as a family.
Take time to pull out photos from the day, and their baptism candle and white garment. Talk to your child about how on the day of their baptism you as parents made promises to “bring them up to keep God’s commandments as Christ taught us, by loving God and neighbour.” Talk about the following symbols, and put those you have in a special place:
Oil of Catechumens – you were anointed on the chest for healing and
Water – as the water was poured over you, or as you were immersed in the water of Baptism the priest said “[name] I now baptise you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”
Oil of Chrism – you were anointed on the crown of the head as priests, prophets and kings were before you.
White Garment – you were clothed in the white garment an outer sign that your whole being is filled with the Light of Christ
Baptismal Candle – was lit from the Paschal Candle, the light of Christ was trusted to us as parents and God-parents to keep burning brightly
Making Space for Prayer
To help your child prepare to recieve the Sacraments, you can find a special space in your home and provide items for them to create their own sacred space. Alternatively, a basket can be filled with special items for your child to take outisde or a special space for their own sacred time. If your child likes to write or draw, provide a journal or paper for them to use.
Build on Preparation Sessions at Home
The preparation sessions your child attends during this time are very special and important. Just as important is how you build on these sessions at home. Talk about what they learned, felt and heard at these sessions, and share your own experience. Maybe you can do something in the week to build on the session.
Share Your Story
Share your story of God's presence in your life. Tell them about your Confirmation and first Communion. Talk about how special recieving the Sacraments is to you, how God gives you grace for your daily life. Light a campfire and share stories!! Sharing your story with your child will be very special as they journey towards recieving these sacraments themselves.