First Reconciliation and First Eucharist at St. Gabriel

Our Sacramental Preparation program helps parents—as their children’s primary educators—prepare their children for receiving the sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Eucharist.

Children traditionally celebrate these sacraments as 2nd graders.   To receive these sacraments in grades 3 and above, please visit our page on sacraments for older children and teens.

First Eucharist Parent Child Workshops:
for those who will receive in May 2019
 

March 2:  8:45 - 11:00 am
March 2:  1:00 - 3:15 pm
March 17:  1:00 - 3:15 pm
March 24:  1:00 - 3:15 pm

Sign up here

Mandatory:
Must attend 1 of the 4 worskshops
For parents and child (no siblings)

Registration Forms:  Coming Soon for 2019-2020

Registration for 2019-2020 is not yet open.  Registration will be advertised in the bulletin and sent to eligible rising 2nd graders.  Please note, a copy of the child's baptism certificate must be provided with the registration form - even if the child was baptized at. St. Gabriel.

Pre-Requisites 

To prepare for and receive First Reconciliation and First Eucharist, the Diocese of Charlotte requires that children:

• Be baptized
• Have completed 1st grade religious education and be currently enrolled in 2nd grade religious education (in either a Catholic church Faith Formation program or a Catholic school)

Registration 

The completed registration form (for those who meet the pre-requisites above) is due in early September accompanied by:

• A materials fee of $45/child 
• The child's baptismal certificate -- even if the child was baptized at St. Gabriel

Important notes:

• St. Gabriel School students will receive registration forms through their school teacher.
• Parents of 2nd grade St. Gabriel School students who are not registered in the parish but who wish for their child to prepare for and receive sacraments with their class must provide an authorization letter from their home parish’s pastor, in addition to a completed registration form and confirmation of baptism.
• Parents who are registered parishioners of St. Gabriel Catholic Church and whose 2nd grade children attend another Catholic school but want their children to prepare for and receive sacraments at St. Gabriel must obtain, complete and return a registration form, as well. In addition, they should notify the coordinator of the Sacramental Preparation at their children’s school that their child will not participate in that program.

Required Meetings and Workshops 

All meeting and workshop dates will be provided well in advance.

First Reconciliation

1. In the fall, parents must attend a meeting to receive materials and information about First Reconciliation. 
2. They will complete the materials with their child over the course of the next few months.
3. The parent and child will attend a workshop as part of preparation for the sacrament.

First Eucharist

1. In the spring, parents will attend a meeting to receive materials and information about First Eucharist.
2. They will complete the materials with their child over the course of the next few months.
3. The parent and child will attend a workshop and a rehearsal with their child as part of preparation for the sacrament and First Eucharist Mass.
    

Dates of First Reconciliation and First Eucharist

• First Reconciliation: A communal penance service will be held in November or January each year
• First Eucharist for 2nd grade students: Traditionally celebrated on the first Saturday in May.

Questions?

For more information, please contact Kristen Rivera at by email or at 704-362-5047, ext. 228. 

See First Eucharist Banner Examples
 

The Act of Contrition Prayer

There are various versions of The Act of Contrition prayer, but the one that is taught to the 2nd grade students in both Faith Formation and St. Gabriel School classes is the one that will be said at the penance service.
It is as follows:

Oh my God, I am heartily sorry for having offended You.
I detest all my sins because of your just punishments,
But most of all, because I have offended You, my God,
Who are good are deserving of all my love.
I firmly resolve, with the help of Your grace,
To confess my sins, to do penance, and to amend my life.
Amen.