"Back to Back" Sacramental Preparation

[mrs_katekista]

I just couldn’t think of a better title for this thread…

I teach 3rd level in my parish RE program and some of them are preparing to receive the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Holy Eucharist. I just found out that First Reconciliation has been rescheduled to the day before the children are to receive their First Holy Communion. Yes, the children will be receiving both sacraments on the same weekend… I’m sure my parish priest has good reasons for doing this - I will find out from him when I see him this weekend.

I need suggestions on how I should go about helping these children prepare for both sacraments at the same time.

Thank you very much!

 

[Corki]

At our parish, First Reconcilliation is usually about 2 weeks before First Communion so the preparation process is together. Don’t most of the texts treat the year of preparation as preparation for both?

 

[mrs_katekista]

Thanks for responding Corki. I understand about the text containing what they need to know and understand to prepare for both sacraments. I guess I am a little concerned because normally there are 2 significant periods of preparation for each sacrament. I don’t know, maybe I need not worry…

 

[Corki]

Thanks for responding Corki. I understand about the text containing what they need to know and understand to prepare for both sacraments. I guess I am a little concerned because normally there are 2 significant periods of preparation for each sacrament. I don’t know, maybe I need not worry…

While that may be “normal” for your parish, it’s not the actual norm for the Church. For many, many, decades children were prepared for these two Sacraments together. The theology for the Sacrament of the Eucharist automatically includes the teaching about how to make sure the recipient is in a state of Grace (Confession). There isn’t much additional to learn other than the actual form of the Sacrament (“Bless me Father, this is my first Confession” etc)

Even in parishes that separate the two by more time, the usual difference is a few months. But the preparation for First Communion is over a year. The additional prep for First Confession is just a short “overlay” onto the prep for First Communion. They can’t wait until after First Confession to start First Communion prep.

The main portion of any good Sacrament prep program is the teaching completed by the parents at home. If you are concerned about the order of things in the classroom portion, just make sure that the parents are emphasizing the First Communion material consistently during that time when emphasis shifts a little to First Confession prep.

The only time I know of any real separation is in parishes or diocese that have instituted the restored order. For example, in the diocese of Tyler, TX students make First Confession in 2nd grade and First Communion after Confirmation in third grade. Making a committment to regular reception of the Sacrament of Penance is a requirement for continuing with the classes for Confirmation and First Communion.