The most important thing you can do to help your child prepare for the Sacrament of the Eucharist is to know, love and receive the sacrmanet yourself. The whole purpose of your child receiving the Eucharist is for your child to grow in his or her relationship with Jesus Christ. If children see that their parents have a strong connection with their church and take their faith seriously, the children will naturally follow.
Effects of the Eucharist in the life of a Catholic:
An increased and deepened union with Jesus
Forgiveness of venial (lesser) sins
A strenghtening to avoid future mortal (serious) sins
A reinforced union with all other believers, who are the Church
A preparation of the body for bodily ressurection
In the Fort Worth Diocese, your child is considered eligible for the Sacrament of Holy Communion if they are between the ages of 7-9 years old and have been baptized. They should be enrolled into a 2nd, 3rd or 4th grade Faith Formation class and then also a seperate Holy Communion class.
The Candidate must be Baptized by the Catholic Church and a Baptismal certificate must be provided upon registration.
All candidates will be asked by the DRE to attend a "discernemnt" inner-view along with their parents. This gives us the opportunity to meet the family, discuss and share the spiritual plans of the family and discern readiness of the child.
Class attendance is very important. A child may only miss a maximum of two days during their Holy Communion year.
The Holy Communion year is one that the family will journey on together. WE highly encourage that at least one (1) parent(s) attend the Parent session held on the 3rd Sat of the month, at the same time of their children's session. Also, parents must attend all informational meetings, Family Activity Dates, as well as Reconciliation and Eucharist Etiquette Trainings which will be designated by the DRE. Please see the 2022-23 calendar for all dates and times.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Director of Faith Formation and Family Catechesis, Trisha Vasquez at 817-426-1101 or [email protected].
Holy Communion Candidates will be attending a full year of Faith Formation classes held every Sunday morning as well as their Holy Communion Sacramental class scheduled on the 3rd Saturday of each month. Parent(s) are Highly Encouraged to attend the Parents Session, which is held at the same time as your child's class. This will enable Parents to be more involved in their child's spirtual journey to the Eucharist.
Both children and parent sessions will be held in the St. Ann Formation Center.