Session 4 – How to Go to Communion & receive Jesus in our lives

This is for you and your child to do together. We invite you to do this as a family.Take time to do this session so that your child we be ready for 1st Eucharist (1st Communion)

Set up:

- Cover a table with a cloth (green for Ordinary time, Purple for Advent or Lent, white for Christmas season) - A bible – a candle on the table/bench - You will need the internet to watch the YouTube video(s)- snack – bread/crackers, grapes and juice- Music: If you choose to use music, here is a possibility of music on this YouTube site.All are welcome by Jesse Manibusan https://youtu.be/D3jeK-QdOXg

Begin with your child in a quiet space without other distractions. Light the candle.

Opening Prayer: (please say together)In the name of the Father, and of the Son,and of the Holy Spirit. AmenGrace and peace to you from God our Fatherand from the Lord Jesus Christ. All: And with your spirit

We gather together as a family to remember how Jesus gathered us around one table.

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One with all of our sisters and brothers throughout the world, let us now listen to God's Word and join in prayer.Amen.

LITANY IN PRAISE OF GOD'S MERCY Together, we acknowledge how grateful we are for the mercy of God.

As we prepare to hear about God's love for us,let us remember that God sent his Son not to judge us, but to save us,for God is full of gentleness and compassion.

Lord Jesus, you take away our fears in times of trouble:Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.Lord Jesus, you heal the wounds after we hurt have each other: Christ, have mercy. Christ, have mercy.Lord Jesus, you remind us that every person is a child of God: Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.

I AM – The Bread of Life Children’s talk ( from The Bible Applied 2:01 min)https://youtu.be/8zZulC0SbbcLITURGY OF THE WORDREADING:

Today's reading tells us about what happened to the people of Israel after they escaped from slavery in Egypt.This text is based on the translation used in the Lectionary for Masses with Children  (Deuteronomy 8:2-3,16A)

A reading from the Book of Exodus,Moses said:Don’t forget how the Lord your God has led you through the desert

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for the past forty years.He wanted to find out if you were truly willing to follow him and depend on him, so he made you go hungry.Then he gave you manna, a kind of food that you and your ancestors had never even heard about. The Lord was teaching you that people need more than food to live—they need every word that the Lord has spoken. There was no water, but the Lord cracked open a rock, and water poured out so you could drink. The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.

GOSPEL:Lead your family in this action prayer, making the Sign of the Cross over your forehead, lips, and heart at each step. (Please stand)In today's Gospel reading we hear Jesus talking about giving us his Body and Blood, the Eucharist, to us.We now do this action prayer together: May the Lord be on my mind, ┼on my lips, ┼and in my heart ┼as we hear the Gospel today.

This text is based on the translation used in the Lectionary for Masses with Children  John 6:51-58

A reading from the holy Gospel according to St. John.

Jesus said to the people:"I am that bread from heaven! Everyone who eats it will live forever.My flesh is the life-giving bread that I give to the people of this world.They started arguing with each other and asked, “How can he give us his flesh to eat?”

Jesus answered:3

I tell you for certain that you won’t live unless you eat the flesh and drink the blood of the Son of Man.But if you do eat my flesh and drink my blood, you will have eternal life, and I will raise you to life on the last day.My flesh is the true food, and my blood is the true drink. If you eat my flesh and drink my blood, you are one with me, and I am one with you.The living Father sent me, and I have life because of him.Now everyone who eats my flesh will live because of me.The bread that comes down from heaven isn’t like what your ancestors ate.They died, but whoever eats this bread will live forever.

The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.Watch the video “I Am” The Bread of Life – John 6 (from Share Faith Kids 3:12 min)

HTTPS://YOUTU.BE/5UMSMRU3RCG

REFLECTIONS ON THE READINGS If your parish has provided a homily video online, you could play it here. Either way, take some time to talk together about what the readings mean to each of you. You can do this however, you would like, but here are some suggestions.

The first reading reminds us that people of faith have always had to experience hard times at some point during their lives. Even when the Israelites escaped slavery in Egypt, their lives were hard when they were in the desert. However, God still cared for them and gave them what they needed to make it through

these hard times.

During this difficult time of COVID-19 how is God caring for you and getting you through it?

What are your thoughts when you hear this Gospel reading today?

What do you think Jesus is trying to say? 4

At a time when most of us still can’t attend Mass together or receive the Eucharist, we are called to remember that even in our own homes and neighborhoods, we are still called to be the Body of Christ to each other.

How can you be Christ for someone else this coming week? Lets Practice!

“HOW CAN WE BE MORE LIKE JESUS?” BY CQ KIDS (2:17 MIN) HTTPS://YOUTU.BE/8DACSHXPMFI

GENERAL INTERCESSIONS Now let’s pray together to God for what we need.

For everyone in our family, or communities, and the whole worldwho are sick with the coronavirus or anything else,that they may feel the Holy Spirit inside of them and know that Jesus hasn’t left them alone, We pray to the Lord. Lord, hear our prayer.

We pray for all those who suffer in our country because of injustice and judgment because of their skin color, their religion, or any other form of discrimination.May we all work for justice because every single person is a child of God.We pray to the Lord. Lord, hear our prayer.

We pray that we may find peaceful ways to stand up for what is right,and we pray for the safety and protection of all of God’s creatures.We pray to the Lord. Lord, hear our prayer.

For what else and for who else shall we pray for ?Allow time for children and parents to speak prayers aloud.We pray to the Lord. Lord, hear our prayer.

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LORD'S PRAYER Jesus taught us to call God our Father, and so we have the courage to say:

Our Father, who art in heaven,Hallowed be thy name.Thy kingdom come.Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.Give us this day our daily bread;And forgive us our trespasses,as we forgive those who trespass against us;And lead us not into temptation,but deliver us from evil. Amen

A LITANY FOR SPIRITUAL COMMUNION The response is: Lord, bring us closer to you!Lord, bring us closer to you!

Lord our God,we wish we could gather today with our parish community,but we gather here out of love and concern for others.You teach us that when two or three are gathered in your name, you are there.Together, we pray:Lord, bring us closer to you!

Christ Jesus, you are present in a special waywhen bread and wine are turned into your Body and Blood.Since we cannot receive you in this way today,We ask that you enter our hearts so that we may receive you spiritually.Together, we pray:Lord, bring us closer to you!

Lord our God,watch over your family and keep us safe in your care,for all our hope is in you.

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Together, we pray:Lord, bring us closer to you!

SIGN OF PEACE Let us now offer each other a sign of peace.Share some hugs or at least virtual hugs!

I am Grateful For ……………. (from Meir Kay 4:28min)https://youtu.be/tznztJVsW9EWhat are you grateful for???Let Us be Grateful. Not for the material things given to us, but the small ways that we give something to others.

God is waiting to give you an amazing gift. The morning that you are going to receive Communion for the 1st time, take time for prayer with your parents before you come to the church.In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. AmenLoving Father, thank you for blessing me in so many ways.Jesus, I’m looking forward to receiving you in the Eucharist for the first time.Holy Spirit help me to pay attention

and make the most of this fabulous day.In Jesus name, Amen

https://youtu.be/--DqtpbzJjY Video 1 – “Blessed First Communion” (from Dynamic Catholic) 4:34 minYour parents will lead you and guide you to receive Jesus for the first time.

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After you receive, take time to pray again for the amazing gift you have been given.

This is a great little story on 1st Communion and the Mass.https://youtu.be/86UZz2R2NbM Child’s Guide to First Holy Communion (from a book by Elizabeth Ficocelli, illustrated by Anne Catharine Blake © 2019) 10:17 min

When I come to receive Jesus,I see the bread and wine.I taste the bread and wineBut in my heart, I know it is Jesus.

Practice Receiving Holy Communion (Eucharist)2021As you approach the Priest, Deacon or Eucharistic minister, please be reverent and respectful.Walk with hands folded and eyes straight ahead.Think about the special gift you are about to receive.

When it is your turn,Move forward towards the person holding the host (Precious Body).Bow your head slightly to show your respect for Jesus.

Precious Body (host)When the priest, deacon or minister holds the host (Precious Body) in front of all of us and says,“The Body of Christ”, you all respond, “Amen”.

To receive the host in your hands, lay one palm on top of the other, like a bowl. (the hand you eat with should be underneath).and hold your hands up and out (away from your chest).

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The Body of Christ will be placed in the palm of your hand (the one you eat with should be underneath). Cover the Body of Christ with your other hand to keep it safe.Move to one of the empty green X on the floor to remove your mask and consume the Body of Christ.Please do so with respect and reverence. Once you have consumed, return your face Mask, and quietly proceed back to your pew to kneel or sit.Take this time to say a short prayer of praise and thanksgiving for the gift that Jesus gave you.Please pray in silence and do not visit. (You may stand/kneel/sit after your prayer)

When Father returns the Precious Body (hosts) to the Tabernacle,you may sit down in your seat, if you aren’t already seated. Mass continues as usual.

Thanks, and have a great Celebration!

** Please note that at this time, there will not be any Precious Blood (wine) shared**

Originally taken from 1st Eucharist Activities by Jean Larkin,2005, Pflaum Publ. Group, Dayton, OHAdapted for COVID-19 August 2020.

Sending Forth:Fr Mirek will send us out into the world to follow Jesus who is in our hearts.“Mass is ended, go in peace to love and serve the Lord.”Our Response: Thanks be to God

Closing Song: Table of Plenty by Dan Schutte https://youtu.be/_t8O_PwPlKA

** Reminder to pick up your 1st Eucharist Certificateat the back of the church on the day you receive **

Celebrate and give thanks to God!You have worked hard and are going to receive an amazing gift from God.

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The gift of Jesus. You can receive this gift from now on every time you come to church for Mass.

What an amazing gift.

Thank you for working together through these 2 Sessions for Reconciliation and the 4 Sessions for Eucharist.If you have any feedback that you would like to share, please email me at charmaine.marcinek@rdcrs.ca

Thanks, and Congratulations! Charmaine

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