Today was our last session to prepare the kids for First Eucharist.

We showed the kids the following clip to help them learn what to do (and what not to do!) when receiving Communion.

They all had the chance to practice with unconsecrated bread and wine. Due to the awful tummy bug going around at the moment they had a sip of the altar wine in individual paper cups.

They were all pretty excited and are looking forward to receiving the real deal in a couple of weeks time.

Wow, what a great start to the day for All Black fans!
Despite another early morning most of us were in very good spirits today.

In the kids session today we did our best to give them a lesson in metaphysics to explain transubstantiation. Lots of big words and big concepts but with the help of Darth Vader we talked about the difference between ‘accidents’ and ‘substance’.

Accidents are the things we use our 5 senses for. We looked at a chair and described it. If we change the colour, height, fabric etc it is still a chair. What something actually is, is called its substance. Even if the accidents change we’d still recognise a chair when we see one. When David mysteriously became Darth Vader the kids could recognise that although the accidents of David had changed, it was still David. The substance had not changed.

So, at the point of consecration, when the bread and wine become the Body and Blood of Jesus, we can say that the accidents are the same but the substance has changed. It still looks and tastes the same as bread and wine, but it is no longer bread and wine. If we could put on glasses that allows us to make visible the spiritual world around us (angels, souls etc) we could see that the substance has changed.

We also talked about the Last Supper, and went through the order of the second half of Mass.

I didn’t show this video to the kids, but thought it was worth putting up here for parents, and of course you can show your kids if you like.

Next week we will be having a practice run with how to receive Communion, with unconsecrated bread and wine. And hopefully answer any questions you or your children may still have about the Sacrament of the Eucharist.

Today was a bit of a challenge for many of us to come to the Sacramental Programme as it clashed with the rugby, but we did manage to focus as well as we could on learning about our faith. This blog post will be fairly detailed so those that missed it for whatever reason can go over it with their child to make sure they are prepared for the next session.

Eucharist means thanksgiving, being grateful. Receiving the Eucharist is a gift, like all Sacraments, and we receive God’s grace when we receive Communion. Receiving the Eucharist is an important part of belonging to the Catholic faith, and shows that you are a full member of the Church community.

There are things we can do as parents to help prepare our kids for this, I likened it to moving from sitting in a high chair at the dinner table to being able to sit like a grown up with having appropriate table manners. The expectations of behaviour changes. The Church teaches that children under the age of reason (usually 7 years) or the elderly or people with medical conditions don’t have the same expectations placed on them.

So, what behaviour should we be expecting from our kids at Church? This is a bit tricky, as all our kids are different but I’ll share my thoughts and you can work out what feels right for your family, and perhaps start to make changes as they mature.

Dress: Personally I don’t think this is much of an issue at this age, but in our family our kids have “Church” clothes, our girls especially love wearing dresses, and our son is not allowed to wear ripped trackpants and stained T-shirts!

Food: To receive Communion you are not allowed to eat 1 hour before receiving. So if you go to 9:30am Mass, the Eucharist is usually distributed at about 10am, so you should have eaten breakfast before 9am. Water is allowed.

Things to bring: A child-friendly Missal is great for them to follow along with what is happening at Mass and learn the responses. Sometimes a pencil to do the parish worksheet may be appropriate, but be aware of what is happening during Mass as there are times when kids need to focus on the Mass and fully participate, for example during the Eucharistic prayer. Perhaps try going without the kid worksheet for one Mass (can always do it at home later) and give them a child’s Missal instead during Mass and see how they go?

How to enter: Church is a holy place and our kids need to learn to show reverence when entering. They can bless themselves with the Holy Water (use right hand), and genuflect (on right knee) facing towards the tabernacle before sitting in the pew. If approaching the altar during Mass a bow is appropriate.

We went over all the above with the kids during the session but it is up to you as parents to discuss appropriate behaviour as you see it and follow this up with them.

We also went through the Order of the Mass for the Introductory Rites and the Liturgy of the Word. You can find this in the activity booklet on page W14.

We also went over the Apostles Creed, and the kids have been challenged to learn this off by heart before they make their First Communion.

The second part of our session was to explore the Church with the parents and complete a search and find worksheet of things used during a Mass…who knew the fonts of holy water were called stoups??

A bit of an afterthought, but I thought it may be worth sharing – my son and I left straight after the session to watch the rugby, and so we went to the 5pm Mass at St Joseph’s Church in Orakei. It was a great follow-up to the session as we could spot some of the sacred objects from the worksheet and we didn’t have the usual distraction of younger sisters. It also had a different feel than our usual family-based morning Mass times, with periods of complete silence. Perhaps it is helpful in preparing our kids to be full members of the Church to visit another parish as a one-off, perhaps St Patrick’s Cathedral, or an evening Mass?

Here’s a summary of learning today:

We talked about Saints, and how they are holy people who inspire and help us. We can ask them to intercede for us, to pray for us, as they are in heaven with God. We talked a little about Saints with a capital S, Saints listed by the Church after an investigation into their lives and proof of 2 miracles after their death that have happened with the saint’s intercession. We talked about patron saints, for example the patron saint of children is Saint Nicholas, and the patron saint of NZ is Mary.

We shared our chosen confirmation name with our small groups and why we chose it.

Then we went through the rituals and responses of what will happen at the Confirmation ceremony, and talked about renewing our Baptismal promises (based on the Creed), the laying on of hands, and the anointing with the chrism oil. We talked about how they are receiving an indelible effect, a permanent relationship with the Holy Spirit, like being born into a family – you can’t stop being a son/daughter, grandchild, niece/nephew.

Here’s the proposed programme for our Confirmation Ceremony, I believe Ann will email out the finalised plan in the week prior for you to go over it with your kids.

CONFIRMATION – St Ignatius Parish Saturday 19 September 2015

Rehearsal at 4.45pm.
Please ensure you have your Confirmation name card (for sponsor). Then find seat in church. Approx 10 mins before mass starts child and sponsor will be asked to go to the back of church where their candle will be lit.

WELCOME: Commentator will read welcome and ask children and sponsors to process up the centre aisle and down the side aisles, lining up against the walls. Fr John and Bishop will process in after the children and sponsors. Hymn will be played. Sponsor to stand behind child.

SIGN OF THE CROSS: by Bishop Pat

PRESENTATION OF CANDIDATES/CHILDREN: Commentator will call out each child’s name (alphabetical order) to which they reply: ‘Here I am!’

BAPTISMAL PROMISES: Bishop Pat will ask all candidates questions based on the Creed. Children to respond to each question with ‘I do!’
Sponsor to take candle and blow it out. Children and sponsors to return to their seats.

GLORIA: all sing

OPENING PRAYER: Bishop Pat

READING: Child to read

PSALM: Child to read

GOSPEL: Fr John to read

HOMILY: Bishop Pat

LAYING ON OF HANDS: Children will be asked to stand out in the aisle closest to them (middle or side) and Bishop Pat and Fr John will move around, laying hands on their heads.

PRAYER OF INVOCATION: Bishop Pat – to say as we all stretch out our hands towards the children.

ANOINTING WITH OIL OF CHRISM: Each child will be called by name. Child and Sponsor(with card) to come up the side aisle to the altar. Child to stand before the Bishop, sponsor behind with one hand on child’s shoulder and other holding card for Bishop to read the name.

Bishop says: ‘Name.… be sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit.’
Child: ‘Amen.’
Bishop: ‘Peace be with you.’
Child: ‘And also with you.’
Child and sponsor to return to seat via middle aisle.

PRAYERS OF THE FAITHFUL: Children who have been given prayers to line up in front of altar. Use handheld microphone

PREPARATION OF THE GIFTS: Children to bring up to altar

LITURGY OF THE EUCHARIST: The Mass continues and the children go to Communion with their families and receive a blessing as normally happens on a Sunday.

We managed to fit a lot of learning into this fun session

We talked about how Confirmation is one of the 3 Sacraments of Initiation along with Baptism and Eucharist and how at our Confirmation we receive a special outpouring of the Holy Spirit.

We talked about the symbols of the Holy Spirit and read John 14:15-31 when Jesus promises the Holy Spirit.

We talked about Pentecost and watched a youtube clip about it.

We blew up a balloon and thought that the Holy Spirit is like the air in the balloon – when we are filled with the Holy Spirit we can do lots of amazing things like the disciples did at Pentecost.

In our small groups we learnt about the 7 gifts of the Holy Spirit, and received a small gift to represent each one.
Wisdom – the ability to see God in everyone and everything (jetplane)
Understanding – the ability to see from another person’s heart, and comprehend the teachings of the Church (Hershey’s kiss)
Right Judgment – the ability to know right from wrong, help solve problems (pretzel)
Courage – to stick to our faith no matter the obstacles (chewing gum)
Knowledge – the ability to find information and understand the meaning of God (Smarties)
Reverence – the ability to have a deep respect for God and the Church (flower)
Wonder and Awe – the ability to be aware that God is all-powerful, all-loving and be amazed by things in life (popcorn kernel)

We finished with a song about the fruits of the Spirit. When we are filled with the Spirit we produce the fruits of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness, goodness, faithfulness, self-control, generosity, modesty and chastity. (The last 3 are not in the song based on Galatians 5:22 but are taught by the Catholic Church)

We briefly talked about choosing a confirmation name and Saints and will go into more detail about this next week, as well as explaining the rituals and what happens at the confirmation ceremony.

Choosing a name
When we are confirmed it is a tradition that we get to choose a new name to remind us of this sacrament, it signifies a new stage in our lives. You can choose to keep your Baptismal name or middle name or you may want to choose the name of a Saint who inspires you. You need to learn as much as you can about that Saint as you are asking them to become your patron saint and friend for the rest of your life. Ideas of where to start are to look up Saints with your name, the patron Saint of something you associate with, which Saint has their Feast Day on your birthday?

Here are some links that may be useful.

http://sevendolors.com/news/files/doc_view/34-confirmation-saint-names

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_saints

In our small groups next week children will have the opportunity to share what their chosen confirmation name will be. In the Belonging Booklet on page A10 is a place they can record this.

Hi everyone,

We tried to watch a youtube clip today but it was stopping and starting so they might not have got a clear understanding today. Here is the link if you want to view it with your children.

Here is another one which shows a girl going to Rite 1 Reconciliation. We didn’t show this to the kids as the internet was playing up and we were out of time but it might be worth a watch.

Something to keep in mind is that for Rite 2 Reconciliation it is best to think of 2-3 things to confess, using the Examination of Conscience as a guide. Encourage your kids not to tell a long story but keep it short. The girl in the clip says she is sorry for being selfish with her siblings, not a big story about the details of what happened. They might also want to spend some time thinking about what they can do to make up for doing wrong, their Penance.

See you tomorrow at 7pm!

Last week we taught the kids the 10 Commandments. Below is the clues for remembering the order.

1. Hold up one finger- God should be first– No other gods before him.
2. Hold up two fingers- This forms a V for vain– Don’t use the Lord’s name in vain.
3. Hold up three fingers- This forms a W for worship– Sundays are for worship and rest.
4. Use four fingers to salute- Honor your Father and Mother.
5. Use five fingers to make a fist- Don’t kill.
6. Use three fingers on each hand to form a heart- Don’t commit adultery.
7. Hold up two fingers on one hand, use all five fingers on the other to grab the two fingers- Don’t steal.
8. Use four fingers on each hand to form binoculars over your eyes- Don’t bear false witness. This also forms the number 8 when you take them off your eyes and turn them sideways.
9. Hold up the ring finger (other nine are down)- Don’t covet neighbor’s wife.
10. Use all ten fingers to cover your eyes- Don’t covet neighbor’s goods.

We used the 10 Commandments as a basis for the Examination of Conscience, questions we ask ourselves before going to Reconciliation. The one we’ll use on Monday is different to this but I thought it was worth putting on the blog for you to have a read.

Examination of Conscience (for kids, linked to the 10 Commandments)
I am the Lord your God, you shall have no other gods before me.
Did I remember to say my prayers every day?
Did I make time for TV or friends but not God?
Did I treat churches, priests and nuns with the proper respect?

You shall not take the Name of the Lord your God in vain.
Did I remember always to say God’s name with love and reverence?
Did I say things like, “Oh my God” or “I swear to God” or “Jesus Christ” as words, not prayers?
Did I say my prayers properly, not too fast and with all my heart?

Keep holy the Sabbath day
Did I miss Mass on a Sunday or a holy day of obligation on purpose?
Did I dress nicely for Mass and help my family get there on time?
Did I distract others or not pay attention during Mass?

Honour your Father and Mother
Was I disobedient to my parents?
Did I willingly do my chores and help around the house?
Do I make a fuss when my parents ask me to do something?

You shall not kill
Did I hurt anyone physically?
Did I help people when they needed it?
Did I tease or hurt anyone’s feelings?

You shall not commit adultery
Did I dress and act in a modest way?
Did I respect my body and other people’s bodies?

You shall not steal
Did I take something that belonged to someone else?
Did I break something that doesn’t belong to me?
Did I cheat on a test?

You shall not bear false witness
Did I tell a lie?
Did I say something mean about someone?

You shall not covet your neighbour’s wife
Did I get jealous of other people’s friends?
Do I thank God for my family and friends?

You shall not covet your neighbour’s goods
Did I wish I had what belongs to another so much that I made myself sad or angry?
Did I thank God and my family for all the things I have?
Did I share my things with my friends and siblings?

Hi everyone,

The last session for Reconciliation is this Sunday. We’ll be talking to the kids about Penance and ways to make up when we are sorry, and also go through what happens at a Sacrament of Reconciliation.

At the Sacrament of First Reconciliation on Monday, there is the opportunity/expectation for parents to receive Reconciliation too. A great way to role model for our kids and receive some of God’s grace!

This video explains why we go to Reconciliation, check it out.

Hi everyone,

We had a very full informative session today, and once again the kids were engaged and beautifully behaved. Perhaps early mornings are a great time for young brains to absorb new learning?!

We started with a quick check that they all knew how to do the sign of the cross correctly, and had a practice of saying the Act of Contrition. A few kids know it off by heart already. Although we will be saying it all together reading it from the projector at their First Reconciliation we do encourage them to learn it off by heart for when they celebrate Rite 1 reconciliation in the future. Please help them with this if you can.

We then talked about the 10 Commandments. They were given finger clues to help them remember the order. For example, 2 fingers make a v for vain for the second commandment, and 4 fingers make a salute to remind them to obey their parents for the fourth commandment. I challenged them to teach you what they learnt, hope they give it a go!

Next we talked about sin. Original sin (from Adam and Eve that is washed away in the Sacrament of Baptism) and actual sin. Actual sin is sins we have committed ourselves. There are 2 types, mortal sin (big, serious sin) and venial sin (little, less serious sin).

We talked about free will and how our conscience helps us know what is right and wrong. In small groups we discussed some scenarios of choices that could be made and identified which choice our conscience would think was best.

We then quickly went through an Examination of Conscience based on questions linked to the 10 Commandments. eg for 1st commandment I am the Lord your God, you shall have no other gods before me/put God first – did I remember to say my prayers every day? Did I make time for tv or friends but not God?

So we fit quite a lot into our hour today, and I encourage you to follow up this learning with them during the week if you can manage it. Ask them if they know all the Commandments in order, using the finger tricks to help them. Quite a few kids didn’t seem too familiar with what a conscience is at first so you may want to check with your child.

Hope you all have a great week, see you next Sunday at 8:15am.

The first session went really well, and the kids were engaged and well-behaved during learning time.  The teaching team have decided to make the start time of the remaining sessions a little later, so we will see you at 8:15am on Sunday.  The sessions will still finish at 9:15am.

The focus of our first session was on God’s forgiveness and the kids explored the parable of the Prodigal Son/Loving Father.  They chose a character from the story and interviewed each other as to how they felt when the son left and was forgiven.

The key point we hoped they remember is that God forgives us when we are sorry.

Here’s a link to a version of the story your kids may enjoy.