DIOCESE OF ERIE

Essential Elements

1. First Eucharist will be celebrated only with those who have been properly prepared (Canon 913 #1), who are actively involved in the parish preparation program, and who freely choose to receive.

2. Sacraments are celebrations of the believing community. The option for home-schooling during the preparation for this Sacrament is discouraged except for serious pastoral need.

3. Children attending a Catholic school which is not in their home parish will prepare for and celebrate the Sacraments in their home parish. Exceptions to this will only be made with the express consent of the child's pastor.

4. Children, who were baptized Catholic as infants, will normally celebrate First Eucharist in either the second or third grade at the discretion of the parish.

5. First Eucharist will be celebrated only with children who have previously been Sacramentally Reconciled. (Canon 914).

6. There will be a significant period of time between the celebration of first Reconciliation and first Eucharist. The catechesis for first Eucharist must be done separate from the catechesis for Reconciliation, and the preparation periods for these two Sacraments must not take place within the same time period nor overlap in any way. (See NCD #126).

7. Requirements for the first Eucharist preparation process are to be clearly communicated to parent(s)/guardian(s) in a timely manner.

8. Parishes must provide a minimum of one meeting with parents prior to the child's celebration of first Eucharist. Parent(s)/guardian(s), the primary educator(s) of their children, are to be intimately involved in the catechesis for first Eucharist. This helps parent(s)/guardian(s) renew and strengthen their own faith, and enables them to serve as a positive faith example for their children. (See Diocesan Guidelines regarding the involvement of parents in this Sacrament.)

9. It is essential that a parish utilize the talents of the most gifted and highly trained catechists for the preparation for this Sacrament. The first celebration of a Sacramental encounter with God through Christ is an experience of significant and special grace and deserves our best effort.

10. The priest-pastor or parochial vicar will be involved in the preparation of children and their parent(s) /guardian(s) for the celebration of first Eucharist. (Canons 528/777)

11. Educational/formational content for first Eucharist:

• The preparation process must follow Diocesan Curriculum Guidelines published on 1/1/95
• The preparation process must respect the natural disposition, ability, age, and circumstances of the individuals.
• The child must know, in an age appropriate way, that the bread and wine become the Body and Blood of Christ.
• The child must be able to distinguish the Body and Blood of Christ from ordinary food. (Canon 913 #2)
• The child must be able to demonstrate reverence appropriate to the situation.
• The child must know the proper response to the minister of Eucharist when presented with either the Eucharistic bread or the Eucharistic cup.
• The child must be aware of the laws concerning Eucharistic fast.
• The child must be able to demonstrate the proper hand position for the reception of Eucharist.
• The child should understand that the appropriate commitment to Word and Sacrament is the altering of our life so that our entire life is a response to Jesus with us.

12. Liturgical guidelines for first Eucharist:

• First Eucharist will normally be celebrated within the Easter season.
• First Eucharist is not to be celebrated on Holy Thursday.
• The liturgy will be kept simple in order to prevent the appearance of a "performance".
• The opportunity to receive both the Eucharistic Bread and Eucharistic Cup is to be provided.
• Education and rehearsal on receiving the Blood of Christ is important and will be provided so that receiving from the cup is a reasonable option for the child.

Any parish which would find it necessary, for pastoral or theological reasons, to deviate from these guidelines, will submit an alternate plan to the appropriate diocesan office (Liturgy: Office of Worship; Catechesis: Department of Religious Education) for recommendations and final approval.

Diocese of Erie
Department of Religious Education
September 1, 1995

Essential Elements

1. Reconciliation will be celebrated only with those who have been properly prepared, who are actively involved in the parish preparation process, and who freely choose to be reconciled.

2. Sacraments are celebrations of the believing community. The option for home-schooling during the preparation for this Sacrament is discouraged except for serious pastoral need.

3. The recommended time for first Reconciliation is to be once the person has reached the age of discretion. (Canon 989)

4. The Sacrament of Reconciliation will be celebrated prior to the child's reception of first Eucharist (Canon 914).

5. There will be a significant period of time between the celebration of first Reconciliation and first Eucharist. The catechesis for Reconciliation must be done separate from the catechesis for first Eucharist, and the preparation periods for these two Sacraments must not take place within the same time period nor overlap in any way. (See NCD #126).

6. Parishes must provide a minimum of one meeting with parents prior to the child's celebration of first Reconciliation. Parent(s)/guardian(s), the primary educator(s) of their children, are to be intimately involved in the catechesis for first Reconciliation. This helps parent(s)/guardian(s) renew and strengthen their own faith, and enables them to serve as a positive faith example for their children. (See Diocesan Guidelines regarding the involvement of parents in this Sacrament.)

7. Requirements for the preparation process leading to first Reconciliation are to be clearly communicated to parent(s)/guardian(s).

8. Children attending a Catholic school which is not in their home parish will prepare for and celebrate the Sacrament in their home parish. Exceptions to this will only be made with the express consent of the child's pastor.

9. It is essential that a parish utilize the talents of the most gifted and highly trained catechists for the preparation for this Sacrament. The first celebration of a Sacramental encounter with God through Christ is an experience of significant and special grace and deserves our best effort.

10. Educational/formational content for first Reconciliation:

• The preparation process must follow Diocesan Curriculum Guidelines published on 1/1/95
• The preparation process must respect the natural disposition, ability, age, and circumstances of the individuals.
• The catechist for first Reconciliation will emphasize the love and mercy of a forgiving God, and the importance of repentance and conversion.
• Sin will be presented in a manner and language understood by the child.
• A very Act of Contrition is to be used: one which is easily understood by the child.
• The liturgical experience of first Reconciliation will follow the Rite of Reconciliation of Several Penitents with Individual Confession and Absolution as described in the Book of Rites.
• Sacramental Reconciliation is required of those who are in serious sin; it is recommended for those in venial sin. (Canon 988) The catechist, with seven year old children, must strive not to blur this distinction and make venial sin into something more than it is.

Any parish which would find it necessary, for pastoral or theological reasons, to deviate from these guidelines, will submit an alternate plan to the appropriate diocesan office (Liturgy: Office of Worship; Catechesis Department of Religious Education) for recommendations and final approval.

Diocese of Erie
Department of Religious Education
September 1, 1995