The Do This in Memory programme is a parish based programme for First Holy Communion.
This parish initiative hopes to integrate the home, the parish and the school in preparing children for this sacrament, recognising the importance of all three. It is a journey towards the celebration of First Holy Communion and can help both the children and their parents.
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Myfaith.ie
MyFaith is an innovative parish-based programme of preparation that allows the children to journey towards the celebration of the Sacraments in the company of their families, supported by their parishes. Designed to support children preparing for the Sacraments of Reconciliation for the first time, First Holy Communion and Confirmation.
This online, and in person, interactive programme leads students though the steps necessary to understand, appreciate and, in time, fruitfully celebrate, and then live, the Sacraments. Please clink online for further information.
Do This in Memory Program
For the children who will receive the sacraments of First Confession and First Communion this year it will be a significant stage in their faith journey.
The “Do This in Memory” programme is a parish-based programme for First Communion. This parish initiative hopes to integrate the home, the parish and the school in preparing children for this sacrament, recognising the importance of all three. It is a journey towards the celebration of First Communion and helps both the children and their parents.
It is important that the children and the parents/guardians of the children receiving the sacraments are well prepared. Along with the sacramental preparation in school, the ‘Do This in Memory’ program is a educational, informative and formative program geared towards the children that encourages adult involvement.
Clinical research shows that adult/guardian direct involvement in a child’s formative years has lasting impact. In assisting parents and guardians of the First Communion children, they first come to an information evening where the preparation programme regarding the “Do This In Memory”.
As the ‘Do This in Memory’ as a parish-based programme of preparation for First Holy Communion, it is centred on the parish celebration of the Sunday Eucharist. Resources provided are aimed to engage all involved in assisting them to have a greater understanding, knowledge and appreciation of the Eucharist.It complements and supports the work of sacramental preparation in the parish school in the parish. The programme takes place once a month before First Holy Communion and concludes during the parish celebration of the Feast of Corpus Christi.
Parent/Guardian Participation:
The Do This In memory co-ordinating group is newly formed each year and made up of parents/guardians of children who will be making their First Holy Communion. The programme revolves around the children and their families’ attendance at a number of special monthly Masses, parents/guardians & children’s participation in the liturgies during the year and finally culminating in their participation at their First Holy Communion Mass.
Participation in the co-ordinating group is voluntary and all parents/guardians are invited to join. The co-ordinating group usually consists of approximately 8/10 parents who offer their services throughout the programme. The programme commences in Autumn and concludes in June.
Responsibilities of Co-Ordinating Group:
· maintains ongoing contact with parents and guardians via text or letter each month.
· maintains the KIDZONE in the church (a space dedicated to the First Holy Communion children. This space changes from month to month with the children’s artwork and reflects the theme of the special masses)
· the group co-ordinates the special monthly Masses
· the group co-ordinates the children’s activity workshops
Throughout the programme parents/guardians are encouraged to:
· be at mass with their child at least each Sunday of the programme
· pray with their children at home
· read the monthly grapevine with their child each month.
· talk to their children about the programme
· reflect on about the celebration of this sacrament with their children