Mount Carmel Catholic College Varroville eNewsletter

OLMC Varroville - Sacrament of First Holy Communion – Preparation and Reception

Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish-Varroville, being aware of the existing COVID-19 global health crisis, are inviting you to continue the Sacramental journey of your child towards initiation into the Catholic Church. We will be facilitating a series of sessions in preparation for the reception of First Holy Communion (FHC), in a Covid-19 safe manner.

As a Catholic community we appreciate the reception of this sacrament is a very special occasion for your family, the parish and especially for your child. Being united with Jesus in a new and special way by receiving Him in Holy Eucharist for the very first time is of great importance and is eagerly anticipated by children. We are therefore excited to advise:

1. FHC ‘Preparatory’ sessions will be run on 3 x Saturdays from 3:30pm to 5:15pm on 29 August, 5 September and 12 September

2. First Holy Communion celebration to occur on all x3 Masses during the weekend of 19 & 20of September

Dates for your considerations and actions below:

15 August #Requires your urgent attention	Registration Cut-off date. Strictly enforced	Parents to complete registration form and hand over to the Parish office by the 15 August. Forms available on the Parish website. Registration fee is $25
24 August	Registration acceptance confirmed	Parents will receive confirmation email from Parish between 24-28August
29 August	1^st Lesson	Inside the Parish Church
5 September	2^nd Lesson	Inside the Parish Church
12 September	3^rd Lesson	Inside the Parish Church
19 September	FHC Celebration	6pm Mass (Saturday)
20 September	FHC Celebration	Options available 9:30am and 5:30 pm (Sunday)

Please Note: These dates and occurrences are subject to COVID-19 developments. Any change will be advised via email asap.

Who is Eligible:

Children who are in Year 3 or above and have already received their Sacrament of Reconciliation. Provision is made for older children.

Parents, as you are the first teachers of Faith for your children, we believe you are best placed to make the assessment regarding your child’s readiness to take this next step in their Faith journey.

Important information for your attention and consideration:

As the help and support from parents will be crucial for this journey to be fruitful for all and particularly for the child, please take note of the following ways your partnership with the Parish will be necessary and appreciated:

As Covid-19 restriction need to remain in place, your cooperation to follow directions at all times will be required.

Complete registration by 15 August
Attend all sessions (Please see table above for details)
One parent to attend each session with your child. No extra members allowed to attend as we need to stay within approved in-door limits
Parent commitment to work at home with child as per planned lesson guidelines provided each week and attending Mass with child where possible to assist their formation
Be aware that Family attendance/numbers at the ceremony will be limited depending on total numbers

We look forward to assisting you and your child on this Faith journey. We hope it will be a time for growing in faith, discipleship – knowing, loving and serving Jesus in all aspects of our lives. We encourage you to contact the Parish Office on 9603 7373 if you have any further queries.

Thank you for your attention to this letter. God bless you all!

Yours sincerely,

Fr. Shane Kelleher, OCD