The Sunday celebration of the Eucharist is the “source and summit” for our lives as Christians. Preparing children to come to the table of the Lord for the first time is a significant moment in their lives and the life of the community.

First Eucharist - 2nd Grade and older

Adequate preparation will also support their spiritual growth and make it clear that as they are nourished by the Eucharist, they are called to feed and serve others around them. Children must be baptized before beginning preparation for this sacrament. A copy of your child’s baptism certificate will be needed if not baptized at Pax Christi. The Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis requires that the baptismal certificate be issued within the previous six months. 

Curriculum: 
Preparation for the sacraments is two-fold:  it is contained within the Finding God curriculum and it is home based with materials from Loyola.  The catechists and coordinator will cover specific elements in-person in the format of ‘large group’ sessions and the parents will support preparation with the family packets.  There will also be a required parent/child retreat for First Eucharist. PLEASE NOTE: Large Group Preparation experiences will take place on Sunday evenings for both First Reconciliation and First Eucharist.  Parents in the Wednesday Faith Formation Family Program will be required to attend the large group sessions as well as the parent/ child retreat. Our Sunday groups will stay with their leaders.  Parents are welcome but not required to attend.

Communication: 
Flocknote will be the primary mode of communication for registered participants.

Schedule for 2023-24 Preparation and Celebration:
First Eucharist will occur in the spring with celebrations at all Masses the weekend of Saturday, May 4 & Sunday, May 5, 2024.  

 
If you have any questions, please contact Renee Dignan at rdignan@paxchristi.com or 952-405-7212.

SACRAMENTAL PREPARATION

Both the preparation for and the celebration of the sacraments at Pax Christi belong to the whole parish community. By this it is understood that all members of the community have important contributions to make in supporting those in sacramental preparation. This approach also means that the active presence of the community is essential for sacramental celebration.

The sacraments are a gift from God to be shared for the benefit of the individual, the community and the world. All participants involved in sacramental preparation are expected to be members of the parish and registered in one of the ongoing faith formation programs.