First Holy Communion
Welcome!

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First Holy Communion is a sacrament of welcome into the community of Jesus Christ and celebrates the beautiful gift of belonging to Jesus Christ with the community of the Catholic Church for the whole world. It invites and calls us to joyfully live, learn, love, grow, and be nourished in faith together.
Households with children who are baptized and in 2nd grade or higher by fall 2021 are welcome to enroll in St. Matthew's First Communion preparation program.  Before receiving First Communion, all children at St. Matthew's are provided the opportunity to celebrate the sacrament of Reconciliation, and are provided age-appropriate catechetical instruction to prepare for this special sacramental moment. Please note: First Communion families are expected to participate in Generations of Faith, our parish’s faith formation program. 
First Holy Communion is a sacrament that invites our participation. It joins us most fully with Christ and all the members of the Church, and strengthens us to live as children of God. Sacramental preparation comprises ritual experiences and expression, prayer, scripture, and reflection, and so First Communion candidates and at least one parent are expected to attend all sessions on the attached schedule, including our monthly Faith Formation program, Generations of Faith.  To learn more about Generations of Faith (GOF), visit our GOF webpage.
 
Reconciliation is a sacrament that invites us to celebrate God’s endless love and mercy. Before receiving First Communion, all children at St. Matthew's are provided the opportunity to celebrate the sacrament of Reconciliation, and are provided age-appropriate catechetical instruction to prepare for this special sacramental moment.

As we know, this year is unlike any other, and so we are adapting our program with the safety and well-being of all in mind.  Our current plans are based on governmental and diocesan regulations and could change if these regulations change.  We will practice safety measures at all times: social distancing, small groups, and wearing masks, etc.  More information will be available at our September parent meetings. (Please see below for more information about our September parent meetings.)  

Three Steps to Enroll in First Communion & Reconciliation Preparation

Step One: Register for our September parent meeting - September 15, 2021 at 7PM. The meetings will be held at St. Matthew’s in the Social Hall.  Social distancing will be practiced, and all are required to wear masks.  If you feel ill on that day, please stay home.  So that we may adequately prepare for attendees, we ask that you register for the meeting by using this link: https://slotted.co/6hpjwlxo

                  
Step Two: Complete a First Communion Registration Form: 
Here is the link to download the First Communion Registration Form: First Communion Registration Form
(Deadline = September 23, 2021)

Step Three: Complete a Generations of Faith (GOF) Registration Form on-line:
We strongly urge you to visit our GOF webpage to learn about how GOF will work this year.  There are FAQ's to help you make the most informed decision about participating in faith formation at St. Matthew's this year. To register for GOF you will need to complete the registration form and submit it to our parish office.  Here is the link to download the Generations of Faith Registration Form: GOF Registration Form
​(Deadline = September 23, 2021)

2021-2022 First Communion & Reconciliation Preparation Schedule
Welcome! 
Reminder: At least one parent/guardian must participate in all scheduled events with your children. Note that there are three “parent only” meetings on the calendar as well.  All sessions are on-site for this year. Thank you!

Schedule for GOF 2020-2021
Households attend all Generations of Faith sessions:
  • Weekend of October 23
  • ​Weekend of November 20
  • Weekend of December 11
  • Weekend of January 15
  • Weekend of February 12
  • Weekend of March 12
  • Weekend of April 9
  • Weekend of May 14
  • Weekend of June 11

Households also attend:
*September 15, 2021 7:00pm: Parent Meeting  
*Saturday, October 2 or Sunday October 3, Time TBD:  Parent/Child Kickoff Retreat  
*Saturday, November 6 or Sunday, November 7, Time TBD: Parent/Child Reconciliation Retreat
*Wednesday, January 12, 6:30pm:  Parent Meeting  
*Wednesday, April 13, 6:30pm:  Parent Meeting  
*April 30 or May 1, Time TBD:  Parent/Child First Communion Final Preparation Retreat  
May 21 or 22 (Tentative Date):  First Communion Liturgies (& Rehearsal)

Questions?

Please contact: Mrs. Anne Miller, Pastoral Associate for Faith Development, K-5
​stmattsmiller@gmail.com / 518-765-2805
We Bring Your Love

Loving God,

Help us 
to focus on what we have,
not on what is removed or changed.

Strengthen us
when we feel discouraged
or overwhelmed.

Embrace us
so that us we know your loving presence
within us and among us.

Walk with us
as we bring your love,
and carry your light,
into our world.

Amen.
- Sandra Lucas, MDiv., BCC
A Coronavirus Prayer
Loving God,
Your desire is for our wholeness and well being.
We hold in tenderness and prayer the collective suffering of our world at this time.
We grieve precious lives lost and vulnerable lives threatened.
We ache for ourselves and our neighbors, standing before an uncertain future. 
We pray: may love, not fear, go viral. 
Inspire our leaders to discern and choose wisely, aligned with the common good.
Help us to practice social distancing and reveal to us new and creative ways to come together in spirit and in solidarity.
Call us to profound trust in your faithful presence,
You, the God who does not abandon.
-Sister Christine Koelhoffer, IHM

​View more Prayers during the Coronavirus Pandemic