The Sacrament of the Eucharist

Year Four Holy Communion – Parent Information Evening

Welcome

Gathering Prayer: Read Luke 24:13-25

Outline of the Meeting:

- An overview of the history and theology of the Sacrament of Eucharist.

- The content of the Religious Education unit of work that supports child’s preparation for the sacrament.
- Suggestions for parents how they could assist their child.
- General businesses.
- Concluding prayer.

Activity 1:

On the post-it use a word, or a short sentence that describes why it is important to you that your child completes the
sacrament of the Eucharist. Come forward and add it to our ‘Eucharist Cloud’.

History and Theology of the Sacrament of Eucharist:

Parish Priest will address parents and students about the history and theology of the Sacrament (in addition, any
questions that the parents might have of the priest).

Religious Education Unit – Coming to Your Table (Eucharist unit of work)

- As your child prepares for their First Holy Communion they will complete a RE unit of work to help them
prepare.
- Students will progress through the unit by participating through three ‘Steps of the Process’.
1. Wondering at the Creator – how the topic relates to human development.
2. The Promise of Christian Salvation – how the topic relates to Jesus Christ.
3. Christian Response – how the topic relates to God and living a Christian life.

1. Wondering at God who created people’s bodies different.

- Students study Children’s literature rich in the theme of differences between people.
- Students compare similarities and differences between themselves and other peers.
- Students role played scenarios of what the world would look like if everyone was the same.
- Students participate in a range of reflection activities to give thanks to their individual traits and build
resilience.
2. The Promise of Christian Salvation (how Jesus showed love to other regardless of differences).
- Students research and study Gospel stories in which Jesus showed loved to others regardless of physical
differences. Students use Gospel stories in a range of verbal and written reflection tasks, and also
incorporated the stories into drama activities.
- Students identify the values that Jesus showed in these stories and develop an understanding of how these
teachings could be incorporated into these own lives to live as better Christians.
- Students reflect on how the world would be a different place if people drew closer to Jesus by receiving him in
Holy Communion – helping students to develop an understanding of what it means to them to be preparing
for their First Holy Communion.

3. Christian Response (what it means to be Catholic and celebrate the Eucharist).

- Students study and interpreted Gospel stories of the last supper and how the procession of the Last Supper
formed the basis of the Eucharist celebration that we participate in today.
- Students develop an understanding of the symbolism of what the bread and wine represent in the sacrament
and that through receiving the bread and wine we are empowered to go out and do God’s work.
- Students develop an understanding of the meaning of each section of the mass and how to activity participate
in the mass to be enriched by the proceedings.
- Students study prophets of past and present who live Christian lives and love everyone as ‘another self’
(Mother Theresa, Ghandi, Pope Francis).
- Students reflect on the unit and identify the responsibility that they take on in celebrating the Eucharist and
receiving the bread and wine – body and blood of Jesus.

Activity 2:

Jesus gives himself to us through Holy Communion, when we receive him, we are drawn closer to him. He helps us to
see others as he does, in this way through Holy Communion Jesus helps us to love others. This links to the second of the
two great commandments that Jesus told his followers – ‘You must love your neighbour as yourself’. With your child
brainstorm how receiving the Eucharist could empower you to love your neighbour as yourself in your daily lives.

Suggestions of what Parents can do with their child:

- Share how God loves each of us, even though we are different body shapes and sizes.
- Discuss with your child the physical similarities and differences which make them special within their family.
- Wonder with them about God who created the ability within people to grow and change.
- Participate in the celebrating of the Eucharist (Mass), practice responses, gestures and prayers said at Mass.
- Talk with them about what they might give thanks for prior to each celebration of the Eucharist.
- Discuss what they learn about in Religious Education.
- Pray with them for the ability to show love for all regardless of differences.
 General Businesses

First Holy Communion will occur at 10 am on Sunday the 17th of June, at St. Jerome’s Parish in Munster. Students
are encouraged to dress formally. Children celebrating their First Holy Communion will have reserved seating in
the first two pews. A professional photographer will be in the school hall between 8-9.30 if you wish to have
professional photos taken.

Concluding Prayer:

Dedication of a Family or Community

Jesus,
our brother and our Lord,
you have come to save us
because God loves us with deep and unending love.
You have given us Mary, your mother,
to be our mother too,
and invite us to follow her example.
On earth she was a woman of faith and prayer,
Of obedience to God’s will,
Always ready to serve in any way.
In heaven she continues to pray for us,
So that we may serve God faithfully in our daily living.

Jesus,
help us to ponder in our hearts
over the many ways you show your love in our lives,
and lead us to walk with your mother
as we follow you each day.

Jesus, we praise you,

for you are Lord and our God
for ever and ever.

Amen