All of us come to the Eucharist through our Baptism. It is through this initiation rite that we are connected to the community of faith. This rite also lays the foundation for our participation in the weekly celebration of Eucharist. The ritual of Baptism contains three essential components of what it means to be a member of this community of faith: discipleship to Jesus, membership in the community, and service to others. These three themes are also essential to our understanding of and participation in the celebration of the Eucharist.

We are honored to journey with you as you begin to formally prepare your child to receive the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist for the first time. This is a special time... a holy time for you, your child, and our parish. This special time offers all of us - adult and children - many opportunities to deepen our faith and to grow in our understanding and appreciation of both the Sacrament of Reconciliation and the Sacrament of the Eucharist.

As we begin this journey together, it is important to think about the role parents play in “handing on the faith” to their children. Know that our parish will help support you in many ways. It is vital for you to understand that while your child maybe enrolled in either the parish school or parish religious education program, it is you, their parents who have the greatest impact on your child’s faith and faith development. How you live your faith at home is crucial to the faith formation of your child.

Sacrament preparation for First Reconciliation here at St. Giles Parish consists of two gatherings that are for parents only to engage in meaningful conversation about issues of faith and one retreat for parents and children to experience together . These parent gatherings begin at the end of your child’s first grade year and will continue into the beginning of their second grade year. Two opportunities to celebrate First Reconciliation are offered prior to your child’s Christmas break.

Sacrament preparation for First Eucharist follows a similar format: two parent gatherings and one retreat for children and parents to experience together. In conjunction with these three gatherings, St. Giles Parish also utilizes a preparation book for First Eucharist. We Celebrate the Eucharist (or the Gold Book) is distributed to children after the First Eucharist Enrollment Mass celebrated in January. This preparation text is used at home by parents and their child. Parents receive weekly information packets that are designed to deepen their own understanding of the Sacrament of Eucharist as well as enabling parents to guide their child into gaining greater understanding and meaning of the Eucharist in their daily lives.