Then He took some bread and when He had given thanks,
broke it and gave it to them saying,

“THIS IS MY BODY WHICH WILL BE GIVEN UP FOR YOU; DO THIS AS A MEMORIAL OF ME.”

A Journey for the Family

This year at St. Mary Star of the Sea, we will be using Hopestone's "The Way" online preparation program. 

A First Reconciliation and First Communion preparation program meant to bring the whole family into the experience.

Dedicating 6 sessions for the child preparing for their Sacraments and 6 separate but complementary sessions for parents and caregivers. 

Each session can be completed in 10 - 20 minutes.

 

Program begins with a welcome and prayer by His Eminence Cardinal Collins!

Children's Track Includes:

• The Prayer: An opening prayer from a priest, welcoming children to the topic of the session.

• The Talk: Taking children on a journey towards their Sacraments. Sharing all foundational Catechesis and teachings.

• The Activity: A fun activity, discussion or craft that the children complete per session.

Parent/Caregiver's Track Includes:​

• The Talk: Reflecting and going deeper into the Catechesis done for the child - geared towards encouraging the parents/caregivers.

• The Testimony: A variety of personal testimonies to inspire and support parents/caregivers.

• The Time: An activity that we are recommending that the family does with their child. To reinforce the topics discussed in the sessions. Offering suggestions for creating family traditions and positive memories. 
   

  First 3 Sessions cover First Reconciliation

• Session 1: "The Journey"  God’s creation, our gifts, our journey.
• Session 2: "The Climb"    Our sin, His Grace, our Saviour.
• Session 3: "The Refresh"    
  • Part 1: Reconciliation, forgiveness, mercy.
  • Part 2: Mock First Reconciliation
  • Part 3: Examination of Conscience

       Last 3 Sessions cover First Communion

• Session 4: "The Campsite" Our hunger, nourishment, refuelling.
• Session 5: "The Trial" The supper, the sacrifice, the rising.
• Session 6: "The Summit"      
  • Part 1: The celebration, the Eucharist, the Joy!
  • Part 2: Mock First Communion
  • Part 3: Church Tour

We have designed the timeline so that you and your children will have at least one week to complete each session. After 3 sessions, there will be a virtual follow up meeting with Adriene to unpack and discuss how the sessions went.