Dear Families,
Hopefully, you read my email yesterday entitled "Parish Faith Formation Updates". If you haven't, I encourage you to do so. If you did not receive that email, please let me know.
This is what I said in that email about how the Covid 19 suspensions and cancellations affect the First Communion preparation:
"Sacrament Preparation- The Sacrament Preparation Mass and session scheduled for April 2nd is cancelled.
Those families preparing for First Holy Communion will be emailed materials for home study.
This was to be your final session in the classroom with Mrs. McCormick. You will need to complete this final session with your student at home. The next session is scheduled for Thursday, April 16th with Father Andrew. This session is planned to be a final class and practice for First Holy Communion which is scheduled for the 11am Mass on Sunday April 19th. If Masses in our diocese have not resumed by then, we will let you know the rescheduled date. Please be patient."
This is your promised email with the instructions for home study.
It is relatively simple.
Here is the link to Blessed Session 6, which you will need to teach at home.
You have seen how Lori has been leading the sessions all year. You can download the Leaders Guide from the same link as above. Just follow along in the Leader's Guide. There are tips and instructions on each page which will help you engage your children in the lesson.Your instructions for Session 6 begin on page 98 of the PDF file. Take your time. Watch and discuss all of the videos. Take your time!
Do not hesitate to reach out to me or Lori if you have any questions.
You will notice that the workbook does not end with Session 6. There is a final section called "My Little Catechism". I encourage you to continue on the journey by using this section. Find time while your child is out of school to read over the first two pages together (#194-195) And then spend time each following day, I suggest two pages each day, to discuss each of the questions and answers in "My Little Catechism". This will help them review and finish their preparations for First Holy Communion.
My hope is that the diocese will lift the suspension before Easter and that we will be able to meet together for our planned April 16th session with Father Andrew. Father will offer a final teaching and then we will practice in the church for First Holy Communion. I will keep you informed one way or the other as things develop.
An Act of Spiritual Communion
My Jesus,
I believe that You are present in the Most Holy Sacrament.
I love You above all things,
and I desire to receive You into my soul.
Since I cannot at this moment receive You sacramentally,
come at least spiritually into my heart.
I embrace You as if You were already there
and unite myself wholly to You.
Never permit me to be separated from You.
I believe that You are present in the Most Holy Sacrament.
I love You above all things,
and I desire to receive You into my soul.
Since I cannot at this moment receive You sacramentally,
come at least spiritually into my heart.
I embrace You as if You were already there
and unite myself wholly to You.
Never permit me to be separated from You.
Amen.
In Christ,
Chris McCormick