Preparing
for
First
Communion
| St.
Augustine Church is pleased to partner with your family in preparing
your children for their first reception of the Sacraments of
Reconciliation and Eucharist. When church and families work
together in helping faith blossom and grow, we all benefit!
The sacraments are a
defining feature of the Catholic Church. This time of preparation offers a
specialized opportunity to develop identity as a Catholic and enrich your
family’s connection to the practice of our faith. Preparing for First Communion
is a time rich with stories and grace for all Catholics. It is our goal to
strengthen our bonds with each other and Jesus in the way we prepare for this
moment of grace. If you require additional information on this program, please
contact the Director of Faith Formation, Tom Rinkoski at…
St. Augustine Church &
Catholic Student Center
1738 W. University Ave
Gainesville, FL 32603.
Office Phone: 352.372.3533;
E-mail:
tomrinkoski@yahoo.com |
Frequently
asked questions about
First Communion
Preparation
Which children are eligible to enter this program
All of the following criterion must be met for a child to be eligible to
participate:
·
The child has been baptized in the
Catholic Church;
·
The child is in second grade or
higher;
·
The child has participated in at
least one year of religious education in either a parish program, Catholic
School, or home-based program; and
·
The child’s family is registered at
St. Augustine Church.
What basic
requirements need to be satisfied?
To
successfully complete this program of Sacramental Preparation the following
requirements must be met:
·
Registration Form completed and
returned to the Faith Formation Office by September. 15, 2008. You can download
a copy of the registration form by
clicking this link.
·
A copy of the child’s Baptism
Certificate handed in to the Director of Faith Formation no later than Dec. 1,
2008;
·
Parents and children attend Mass
every Sunday during the preparation period;
·
Parents and children attend all
preparation sessions as indicated;
·
Parents and children commit to
home-based preparation time using the books, materials, and web resources as
assigned; and
·
Parents and children pray together
at home.
 When
is the Orientation Session for the Parents?
Parents must attend the orientation session on
Monday, September 15, in Hurley Hall from 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm. Parents will be
given an overview of the Sacramental Preparation Program, a preview of all books
and materials, a review of the requirements, as well as a chance to ask
questions.
Is
there a fee for the Sacramental Preparation Program?
Because access to the sacraments is a fundamental
right of all Catholics, there is no mandated cost. Your giving in the regular
collection on Sundays covers program expenses. However, a donation to defray
the costs of the textbooks would be greatly appreciated ($10.25 per book for a
cost of $20.50 for the two books per student).
When are the meetings
scheduled?
You can download a complete copy of the fall and winter semester
schedule of meetings by
clicking on this link.
Here you will find the dates, times and locations of all the meetings.
How do we register our
family for this program?
You can register in
two ways:
1.
Click this link
to download a registration form. Complete and return to the Faith
Formation Office at the Church.
2.
Pick up a
registration form at the Parish Office, complete it and ask the person at the
front desk to place it in Tom Rinkoski’s mailbox.
The Parish Office is
open from 9:00 am till 10:00 pm every day. Please be sure your registration
form has been placed in Tom Rinkoski’s mailbox in the parish office.
Who
do I ask for more information?
For additional questions or
concerns regarding this program or any other aspect of faith formation contact
Tom Rinkoski, Director of Faith Formation. You can reach him by phone at
352.372.3533 or via internet at
tomrinkoski@yahoo.com.
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