First Eucharist and First Reconciliation
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Registration for First Communion prep will open here in July for the 2023-2024 school year.
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Sacramental Preparation
Welcome to Sacramental Preparation for First Reconciliation and FIrst Communion! This preparation is IN ADDITION TO the religious education your child is receiving through our parish's Family Faith program or in their Catholic school.
For many years, families at St. Gabriel Church have prepared their children for the sacraments of Reconciliation and the Eucharist through a combination of workshops and at-home materials. We look forward to supporting your family as you grow in faith and in your relationship with Jesus.
Parent/Student RetreatsTwo required parent-student day retreats at the church will help prepare for First Reconciliation and First Eucharist.
Dates for 2023-2024 coming soon!
EligibilityA student's family must be registered parishioners of St. Gabriel Church to prepare for and receive First Reconciliation and First Eucharist. The Diocese of Charlotte requires that children:
- Be baptized (every family must provide their child's baptism certificate - email copy here)
- Completed religious education last year (2022-2023 school year) in a parish Faith Formation program or by attending Catholic school
- Are currently enrolled in religious education (2023-2024 school year) in a parish Faith Formation program or attending Catholic school
See other frequently asked questions below.
Questions? Email Haley Heiberger
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How to register for First Communion preparation
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1. Register for Family Faith
Students must be enrolled in religious education (in the parish and/or in Catholic school) both the year before AND the year of receiving First Communion.
Find grades 1-5 Family Faith registration here
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2. Register for First Communion prep
Registration for First Communion prep will open here in July 2023 for the 2023-2024 school year
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Frequently Asked Questions
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To prepare for and receive First Reconciliation and First Eucharist, a student's family must be registered parishioners of St. Gabriel Church. The Diocese of Charlotte requires that children:
- Be baptized (every family must provide their child's baptism certificate - submit copy below)
- Completed religious education last year (in a parish Faith Formation program or attending Catholic school)
- Are currently enrolled in religious education (in a parish Faith Formation program or attending Catholic school)
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For many years, families at St. Gabriel Church have prepared their children for the sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist through a combination of workshops and at-home workbooks. This year, we will continue this approach with two parent-child day retreats that support the home-based learning materials. As the Catechism teaches, parents are the primary catechists. We, as a parish, are here to support you.
Check back soon for 2023-2024 retreat dates
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You must provide your child's baptism certificate - even if he/she was baptized at St. Gabriel.
Request baptism certificate from St. Gabriel Church
Take a picture or scan the certificate and email it to [email protected]
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ABOUT FEES THIS YEAR: There is no separate program fee. Please prayerfully help provide for the $450/student investment (in staff, materials, and resources) through your regular offertory giving. All of our parish ministries, activities and expenses are funded through giving. We encourage you to use Online Giving. Learn more or login here.
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Our 2 day retreats are for both the child and at least one parent and will help with preparation for First Reconcilitation and First Communion.
Check back soon for 2023-2024 retreat dates
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Check back soon for 2023-2024 dates
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- Registered St. Gabriel Catholic Church parish families with a St. Gabriel School 2nd grader: Please register online and submit your baptismal certificate.
- Parents of 2nd grade St. Gabriel School students who are not registered in the parish: Please contact your home parish to pariicipate in their sacramental preparation program. Our hope is that each family fully pariticipates in their home parish community.
- Parents who are registered parishioners of St. Gabriel Catholic Church and whose 2nd grade children attend another MACS school: Please register online and submit the baptismal certiticate.
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Interested in receiving sacraments as an adult? Learn more here.
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The Real Presence of Jesus
Jesus said: "I am the living bread that came down from heaven; whoever eats this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give is my flesh for the life of the world. " (Jn 6:51-55).
The Catholic Church professes that, in the celebration of the Eucharist, bread and wine become the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit and the instrumentality of the priest. Christ is truly present, body, blood, soul, and divinity, under the appearances of bread and wine—the glorified Christ who rose from the dead after dying for our sins.
By his Real Presence in the Eucharist Christ fulfils his promise to be with us "always, until the end of the age" (Mt 28:20).
Learn more here.
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