We are really looking forward to the First Holy Communion Retreat tomorrow, Saturday, May 6, 2023! Remember, attending this retreat is a requirement of the Bishop of the Diocese of Palm Beach and attendance will be taken.

Please arrive sometime between 8:20-8:25am (no earlier than 8:15, as we will not be here!). Go into the church and look for your catechist. Children should wear comfortable clothing. We will spend some time outside, but we will not be painting or another other crafting that might damage clothing.

Parents are invited to stay for Mass. In fact, parents are invited to stay the entire retreat! If you choose not to stay, please return no later than 11am so you can participate in rehearsal and see where your child will be sitting.

After the 11am rehearsal, kids and their catechists will be invited to eat lunch together and then gift bags will be given out. Our goal is to finish the retreat by noon, but we will definitely be finished no later than 12:15.

Gift bags:

1. Girls will wear the veil they are given by the parish. Crafty moms, grandmas, older sisters, or other friends are allowed to jazz it up with flowers, sequins, pearls, etc. if that's what you want to do. I do not have a replacement veil if it doesn't turn out well....!
2. Boys will wear the tie that they are given by the parish. They can make it look snazzier by adding the tie tack that is also in their gift bag.
3. Children will not bring the candle with them to the Communion Mass. The candle is for use at your home only.
4. The candle and everything else in the gift bag has not been blessed.

There are multiple "photo opp" stations set up today -- be sure to take your child's photo with his/her friends!

Sacrament of Reconciliation:
Tuesday, May 9
     Ms. Veronica's class: arrive by 5:30pm
     Dr. Julio & Ms. Myrta's class: arrive by 5:45pm
Parents (and other family members) STAY for this event.
All persons in the church must use appropriate behavior:

• no gum, no food, no drinks
• no talking, no whispering
• no excessive moving around -- stay in your pew and pray for your child

Dress Code is "Business Casual," per an 8-year-old!

• Boys: clean long pants with a nice shirt (polo, oxford/button down), nice socks and nice shoes
• Girls: nice dress or clean long pants or skirt with a nice top

Leave after child prays penance.

• Note: There will be one "photo opp" station to take a picture with your catechist!
• Don't leave without your commemorative certificate!

Sacrament of Holy Communion:
Sunday, May 14, from 11:30am to 1:15pm

• First Communicants arrive in the Parish Hall no later than 11:30am. Drop your child off and go into the church and pray.
• First Communicants are not allowed to carry anything with them during the First Communion Mass. 
• Our photographer will take a whole group photo and a photo of your child with our priests after Mass. Please wait your turn and do not crowd the photographer -- remember, we are still in church!
• Don't forget to take your commemorative craft and certificate!
• Please view this PowerPoint -- it's important: 

Thank you to all parents of First Holy Communion Candidates who came to our required parent meeting on March 14, 2023. I so much appreciate your attendance at these meetings because it respects my time and it guarantees that everyone is hearing the exact same information. If you missed the meeting, I have summarized the discussion of our meeting below. If you attended the meeting, please read on for expanded details. If any of you have ANY questions or concerns, please reach out to me! I am here to support you. Thank you for being the awesome parents that you are!!!

Blessings, 
Mary Acevedo, Director of Religious Education

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENTS

1. Pick up the April calendar during class time on March 28 and please prioritize our events on your family calendar. Nothing should take priority over our events: no musical event, no sports event, etc. Thank you!
2. First Holy Communion classes meet twice after the First Communion Mass - our last class is May 23. Please be sure to bring your children to class. Thank you!
3. The Google Classroom for First Holy Communion parents is open and you have been invited!
   1. Note that this classroom is a Google product, which is why you gave us a *G*mail last year during registration. 
   2. Please check your Gmail for the invitation - click on the link and enter the class; if you need a course code, use fh4g5uk . 
   3. Completing one module a week is a good pace. Open the module by clicking on it, then work from top to bottom -- don't skip around.
   4. Completing the classwork is a big bonus for your own faith life and for that of your family!
4. Parents are invited to stay and attend these very interesting classes with their children on the following dates: 
   1. April 18: Tour of the Church, part 1
   2. May 2: Tour of the Church, part 2
   3. May 16: Altar Servers Presentation
5. Between now and May 9, please actively review the Act of Contrition, Act of Hope, and Act of Love prayers at home every day.
6. Between now and May 14, please actively review how to receive Holy Communion in the hand or on the tongue at home regularly.
7. Until May 14, children are invited to come up in the Communion line at Mass, but they must still cross their arms over their chests and receive a blessing.

SCHEDULE OF REQUIRED EVENTS - no absences permitted for these events!

Sunday, March 26, 2023, 12:00pm noon Mass
Parents and children attend this Mass and then pass out their "pray for me" cards after Mass to random parishioners. These "pray for me" cards are not meant for relatives, catechists, or friends -- those people will already be praying for your child. These cards are meant for Holy Family parishioners who have watched your children grow up here at the parish.

Saturday, May 6, 2023, 8:15am - 11:30am Retreat & Rehearsal

1. Parents are invited to begin the retreat with us by attending the 8:30am Mass and staying for the duration of the retreat. Otherwise, you can drop off your child at 8:15 and come back at 10:30.
2. Parents must return at 10:30 and attend the rehearsal. You will receive important handouts and see where your child will sit and in which order s/he will receive First Communion.
3. Your children will leave with a "goodie bag" full of gifts from the parish - for girls, this is a Communion veil, and for boys, this is a white neck tie. See more details about clothing below.

Tuesday, May 9, 2023, 5:15pm-6:45pm Sacrament of First Reconciliation

1. Parents must stay with their child in the main church. Siblings, grandparents, godparents, and other family members are invited to attend this special event.
2. Dress code is "business casual" - twill pants and a polo shirt, a dress, a skirt and top, etc.
3. Please pray for your child as he or she is confessing.
4. Participation is "first-come, first-served." Children are free to leave after they have confessed. We hope you take this opportunity to celebrate!
5. If your child misses this Sacrament, he or she might not be able to receive First Holy Communion with the class on May 14. It is imperative that you call our office right away (772-337-4313) to make arrangements.

Sunday, May 14, 2023, 12:00pm noon Mass Sacrament of First Holy Communion

1. First Communicants arrive fully dressed (see below) in the Parish Hall between 11:20am and 11:30am. Parents and other guests will drop off the child and then proceed to the church to pray and wait.
2. No one will get up out of their seats to take photos during Mass. Everyone will pray and participate fully in worship during Mass.
3. No one will hire a photographer to take photos during Mass.
4. A group photo and individual photos will be taken with priests and catechists after the Communion Mass. Therefore, it is best to schedule any parties or dinners to begin after 2pm.

SHOPPING LIST
The proper dress code for boys:

1. Suit: navy blue or black
2. Shirt: white button down
3. Tie: white necktie (do not purchase---this is a gift from the parish)
4. Socks: navy blue or black, to match suit pants
5. Shoes: black dress shoes, either lace-up or slip-on (no loafers/boaters, no sneakers/tennis shoes (even if they are black), no flip-flops/slides, no sandals, etc.)

The proper dress code for girls:

1. Dress: the white Communion dress must have sleeves. If you absolutely must buy a sleeveless dress, then you must also buy a white cover up, either a jacket or shrug, that must be worn while in the church. A shawl is not a good idea at this age because it will most likely slip off and bare the shoulders in church.
2. Veil: white Communion veil (do not purchase---this is a gift from the parish)
3. Socks: white socks or white tights/stockings
4. Shoes: White dress shoes, which should be flat or 1” heel maximum. For safety purposes, backless shoes and sandals are not permitted. Closed toe dress shoes (pumps) are the safest as the First Communicants will be walking around on the slick marble sanctuary floor.

**Shop for outfit:

1. We have a number of gently used Communion dresses, suits, and shoes available for free. They will be out on tables during classtime -- feel free to choose one!
2. JCPenney
3. Dillard's
4. Macy's
5. Once Upon a Child website and Facebook page
6. David's Bridal
7. Remember, you must also purchase a shrug, jacket, or sweater if you purchase a sleeveless dresses -- or get sleeves added by a tailor! Alterations by Leslie's Facebook page - she is a parishioner of Holy Family.

**Shop for gifts that reflect our Catholic faith!
LOCAL
St. Martin de Porres
St. Lucie
ONLINE
Holy Land Art Company
Autom: Reconciliation and Communion
The Catholic Company: Reconciliation and Communion
Catholic Gifts and More: Reconciliation and Communion

Hello New Religious Education Families!

We are so happy that you have joined our Religious Education Program here at Holy Family. We are excited about our start -- in about one month!

I just want to take a moment to remind everyone that your children are not to receive Communion. Your children are preparing for this beautiful privilege, but they are not to receive right now.

1-When you approach the Blessed Sacrament, please have your children walk and stand in front of you.

2-Their arms should be crossed over their chest in a position we call "pretzel arms." It looks like this:

3-The kids will receive a special blessing. The Ordinary or Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion will likely hover his or her right hand over the child's head and whisper a very short blessing. Some may touch your child's head or forehead; some will hover over the head. Your children do not have to respond, but they can say, "Amen" if they want to. The blessing will look like this:

Dear First Holy Communion Families,

Happy New Year! I hope that 2021 is a safe and meaningful year for all of you, easier than 2020 was. Here in Religious Education, we are trying to come up with ways to make this sacramental prep year easier for you.

That being said, I am not yet ready to hold one of the parent meetings required by the Diocese tonight. The parent meeting scheduled for tonight is postponed. I will be in touch soon with details re: fulfilling this requirement soon.

In the meantime, I can announce shopping lists and important dates.

REQUIREMENTS
First Communion Candidates are required to "be fed."

1. Ideally, candidates are going to in-person Mass. The current schedule at Holy Family is 
   1. Saturdays 8:30am, 4:00pm, 6:00pm (Spanish)
   2. Sundays 8:00am, 10:00am, 12:00pm
   3. weekdays 8:00am
   4. Be sure to have the deacon or priest sign your Mass Signature Card. Pick a new one up in the office.
2. Students may also watch Mass online.
   1. Be sure to write "online" on your Mass Signature Card.
3. For some families and children, our Children's Liturgy of the Word will be more effective than watching an online Mass. 
   1. Be sure to write the Passcode  on the Mass Signature Card after completing the readings and prayers. The Passcode is provided on the Liturgy page.
   2. Access here (content changes weekly/link never expires): http://www.holyfamilyccpsl.com/liturgy.html

     4. Remaining class dates: While student attendance is at parents' discretion and no one will be penalized for *not coming to class, we strongly encourage and want your children to come to every remaining class period-- unless the child or an immediate family member is sick. Your children are about to receive a sacrament, so the refresher and learning opportunities are extremely important.
               1. Religious Education has purchased an air purifier for every classroom and we use disinfectant via a fogger before each class and a disinfectant wipe of tables, chairs, doors and other surfaces after each class.
               2. Children do not share supplies.
               3. For more information, please review the video I made in August here: www.holyfamilyccpsl.com/religious-education.html
        ~January 26 or 27*
        ~February 9: ALL Communion candidates attend on Tuesday
        ~February 23 or 24
        ~March 9: ALL Communion candidates attend on Tuesday
        ~March 23 or 24
        ~April 13: ALL Communion candidates attend on Tuesday
        ~May 4 or 5
        ~May 25 or 26
*If you can't remember if you are a Tuesday or Wednesday family, call us at 772-337-4313.

**Families whose candidates were supposed to receive in May 2020 and didn't are supposed to attend all of these classes.

SCHEDULE
*If you feel your child should not receive Holy Communion in May due to the pandemic or due to unpreparedness or any other reason, please contact me at 772-337-4313 so that we can make other arrangements.
**Families whose candidates were supposed to receive in May 2020 and didn't, must attend all of the following events.

Friday, April 23, 2021, 5:15pm - ? is rehearsal in the main church.

1. Parents must stay for this. You will receive important handouts and see where your child will sit and in which order s/he will receive First Communion.
2. This is mandatory because this year it will be very different. 
3. Everyone needs to bring and wear a mask.

Saturday, April 24, 2021, 9am - 11am is retreat in the Parish Hall.

1. This is mandatory for children, mandatory for parents who are taking the in-person parent class,  and optional for parents who are taking the online parent class.
2. Your child will make and receive keepsakes and review the protocol for the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
3. You need to bring and wear a mask.
4. Parents will arrive in time for a very short presentation ceremony at the end of the retreat. You will actually leave the retreat closer to 11:30am.
5. Between now and April 24, please actively review the Act of Contrition, Act of Hope, and Act of Love prayers. 
6. Between now and April 24, please actively review how to receive Holy Communion in the hand.

Friday, April 30, 2021, 5:15pm - ? is Sacrament of First Reconciliation in the main church.

1. Parents must stay.
2. Please bring and wear a mask.
3. I will be in touch in March with a staggered arrival schedule.

Sunday, May 2, 2021, 3:00pm is Sacrament of First Holy Communion in the main church.

1. This is a private Mass, just for First Communicants and their families.
2. Please wear masks.
3. Each Communicant is permitted to invite 10 guests; this is limited due to social distancing. Parents and siblings are counted among the 10 guests.
4. Please let me know if you want to opt out of receiving Holy Communion in May due to the pandemic or due to unpreparedness or any other reason. Call me at 772-337-4313 so that we can make other arrangements.

SHOPPING LIST
The proper dress code for boys:

1. Suit: navy blue or black
2. Shirt: white button down
3. Tie: white necktie (do not purchase---this is a gift from the parish)
4. Socks: navy blue or black, to match suit pants
5. Shoes: black dress shoes, either lace-up or slip-on (no loafers/boaters, no sneakers/tennis shoes (even if they are black), no flip-flops/slides, no sandals, etc.)

The proper dress code for girls:

1. Dress: the white Communion dress must have sleeves. If you absolutely must buy a sleeveless dress, then you must also buy a white cover up, either a jacket or shrug, that must be worn while in the church. A shawl is not a good idea at this age because it will most likely slip off and bare the shoulders in church.
2. Veil: white Communion veil (do not purchase---this is a gift from the parish)
3. Socks: white socks or white tights/stockings
4. Shoes: White dress shoes, which should be flat or 1” heel maximum. For safety purposes, backless shoes and sandals are not permitted. Closed toe dress shoes (pumps) are the safest as the First Communicants will be walking around on the slick marble sanctuary floor.

**Shop for outfit:

1. JCPenney
2. Dillard's
3. Burlington
4. Once Upon a Child website and Facebook page
5. David's Bridal - You must also purchase a shrug, jacket, or sweater if you purchase any of these sleeveless dresses!
6. Alterations by Leslie's Facebook page

**Shop for gifts
LOCAL
St. Martin de Porres
St. Lucie
Holy Land Art Company
ONLINE
Autom: Reconciliation and Communion
The Catholic Company: Reconciliation and Communion
Catholic Gifts and More: Reconciliation and Communion
Sacred Heart Toys: Reconciliation and Communion


If you have ANY questions or concerns, please reach out to me! I am here to support you. Thank you for being the awesome parents that you are!!!

Blessings, 
Mary Acevedo, Director of Religious Education

Dear First Communicants, Parents, and Friends,

This is an exciting and busy week for you -- your first one back to school! We hope you had a great day and have all kinds of good and interesting things to share with your family tonight. And for those of you studying school subjects at home, I hope it was happy, comfy, and productive, too!

We are also so proud of all of you. This year, 2020, has been so different from any other year with so many challenges, but you are making it your own! Even here at Holy Family, with your sacramental preparation classes, you have had to wait a really long time to receive your First Reconciliation and your First Holy Communion. But the wait is over -- we're going to see you this week, and we are so excited to finally celebrate your growth. Please take out your calendars and note these dates and times:

Friday, August 28, 5:15pm - ? is rehearsal in the main church.

1. Parents must stay for this. You will receive important handouts and see where your child will sit and in which order he will receive First Communion.
2. This is mandatory because this year it will be very different. 
3. Everyone needs to bring and wear a mask.

Saturday, August 29, 9am - 11am is retreat in the Parish Hall.

1. This is mandatory for children and optional for parents.
2. Your child will make and receive keepsakes and review the protocol for the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
3. You need to bring and wear a mask.
4. Parents will arrive in time for a very short presentation ceremony at the end of the retreat. You will actually leave the retreat closer to 11:30am.
5. Between now and September 4, please actively review the Act of Contrition prayer.
6. Between now and September 6, please actively review how to receive Holy Communion in the hand.

Friday, September 4, 5:15pm - ? is Sacrament of First Reconciliation in the main church.

1. Parents must stay.
2. Please bring and wear a mask.

Sunday, September 6, 3:00pm is Sacrament of First Holy Communion in the main church.

1. This is a private Mass, just for First Communicants and their families.
2. The First Communicant is allowed to bring 10 guests. We suggest parents, grandparents, godparents, and siblings.
3. There are 6 Communicants, and they are all boys! If everyone brings 10 guests, we expect church capacity to reach 75 persons.
4. Please wear masks.

If you or a family member is sick and showing symptoms of COVID-19 infection, please call the office to cancel your participation: 1-772-337-4313

I'm excited to see you again!
Mrs. Mary Acevedo, M.Ed.
Director of Religious Education

PS: A description of the 2020-2021 program year is on the Religious Education webpage.

Also, please regularly read the HOME page on Holy Family's website for updates on Holy Family's weekday and Sunday Mass schedule and confession schedule. Please also understand that the Bishop's decision to excuse Mass attendance still continues, so no one is obligated to go to Mass right now.

Remember you can always watch Mass, give your donations, and check the bulletin on our LIVE page.

Holy Family is also active on Facebook (where our handle is @HolyFamilyCCPSLFL and our page is available to all) and myParish app (where our nickname is "Holy Family PSL").

​Finally, our Catholic preschool is hiring employees, recruiting volunteers, and enrolling students, ages 3, 4, and 5.

**Distribute the invitation to 4 families you recognize but do not know really well in our parish by March 31.
--------Anyone who missed the meeting will have to pick up their invitations. Mary and Kelly are in the office Mon, Thurs, Fri 8:30-4:30 (closed for lunch, please call before coming in 337-4313). If you need to pick them up during class time, you will need to come in BEFORE 5:00PM OR AFTER 6:40PM on class days. You will be asked to wait until all students and parents are out of the building after class.

**Make note of dates and times of upcoming events. Attendance at all of these events is required and mandatory.

• Invitations to parishioners due out by March 31.
• Rehearsal #1 is Friday, April 24, in the church. We begin at 5:15. Parents or another guardian must stay for rehearsal.
• Retreat is Saturday, April 25, in the Parish Hall. Drop your child off at 8:45. Parent must return and join the group at 11:40; dismissal no later than 12:30.
• Rehearsal #2 is Friday, May 1, in the church. We begin at 5:15. Parents or another guardian must stay for rehearsal.
• First Reconciliation is Saturday, May 2, in the church. Staggered arrival times:
  • Ms. Veronica and Ms. Marie's Tuesday night CP3 class will arrive in the church at 12:50, dismissed from the Parish Hall by 2:00.
  • Mr. Julio and Ms. Myrta's Wednesday night CP3 class will arrive in the church at 1:20, dismissed from the Parish Hall by 2:30.
  • Mr. Mark McInerney's Tuesday night PO2 class and Ms. Marielly's Wednesday night PO2 class will arrive in the church at 1:50, dismissed from the Parish Hall by 3:00.
• First Holy Communion is Sunday, May 3. Drop your child off in the Parish Hall at 11:30 promptly. Pick up your child in the Parish Hall at the reception; free to leave by 1:30. Mary recommends you schedule your parties at home to start after 2:30PM. 

No absences from the above mandatory events are allowed. If your child is absent, your child will not receive the sacraments with the group; in that case, we will be in contact with you and provide guidance individually.

SHARE THIS IMPORTANT INFORMATION WITH YOUR GUESTS:

1. ABSOLUTELY NO ROAMING DURING THE COMMUNION MASS. If you leave your seat to take photos during Mass, the ushers will escort you to the back of the church and you will need to stay there until after you receive Communion.
2. ABSOLUTELY NO PHOTOGRAPHY OR VIDEO-TAKING DURING THE LITURGY OF THE EUCHARIST. This is crass and inappropriate.
3. WE HAVE HIRED A PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER WHO WILL GET THE PHOTOS YOU WANT BUT CANNOT GET. Please pray for your child during Mass and enjoy the moment instead of taking photos.

**Shop for outfit: see list here

1. JCPenney
2. Dillard's
3. Burlington
4. Once Upon a Child website and Facebook page
5. David's Bridal - You must also purchase a shrug, jacket, or sweater if you purchase any of these sleeveless dresses!
6. Alterations by Leslie's Facebook page

-------Anyone who missed the meeting will need to also pick up "the blue sheet." Be sure to ask for it during office hours listed above.

**Shop for gifts
LOCAL
St. Martin de Porres
St. Lucie
Holy Land Art Company
ONLINE
Autom: Reconciliation and Communion
The Catholic Company: Reconciliation and Communion
Catholic Gifts and More: Reconciliation and Communion
Sacred Heart Toys: Reconciliation and Communion

AFTER THE COMMUNION CEREMONY
**Encourage your child to wear his or her Communion dress or suit to weekend Mass for as long as he or she wants to! The Parish community loves to see this, and parishioners will often make a positive comment, give encouragement and congratulations, and pray for your child and you. Wearing the communion outfit through May is a beautiful gift for everyone.

**The day after receiving First Holy Communion, your child is eligible to be an Altar Server. Please talk to your child about this ministry, and if he or she is interested in joining, contact Mary. The option to join is always open, even if your child does not want to join right away. 

**If you don't want to keep your child's outfit as a keepsake, please consider donating it to our Program. We have some families in need who will benefit from your gift. If you use a suit or dress from our collection, there is no need to return it if you want to keep it as a keepsake. If you choose to donate or return, please clean the garments; we have no washing machine on premises to do that. Thank you!

**Distribute the invitation to 2 families you recognize but do not know really well in our parish by March 31.

**Pay the Retreat Fee of $30 if you haven't already; it is now past due.

**Mark your calendar: you promised to volunteer for the Retreat!
*****Mary and Kelly will contact you closer to the date to remind you what role you volunteered. Right now, you can mark your calendar to come on April 13 from 9:30-2:30 (although your hours will probably be shorter).

**Shop for outfit: see list here

1. JCPenney
2. Dillard's
3. Burlington
4. Once Upon a Child website and Facebook page
5. David's Bridal - You must also purchase a shrug, jacket, or sweater if you purchase any of these sleeveless dresses!
6. Alterations by Leslie's Facebook page

**NEWSFLASH: Payless Shoes is going out of business -- get there now!!

**Shop for gifts
LOCAL
St. Martin de Porres
St. Lucie
Holy Land Art Company
ONLINE
Autom: Reconciliation and Communion
The Catholic Company: Reconciliation and Communion
Catholic Gifts and More: Reconciliation and Communion
Sacred Heart Toys: Reconciliation and Communion

Moses' tabernacle: https://bible.knowing-jesus.com/topics/The-Tabernacle

Moses' ark: https://bible.knowing-jesus.com/topics/Ark-Of-The-Covenant

Scanned pages from The New Saint Joseph First Communion Catechism: ​file:///C:/Users/macevedo/Downloads/The%20New%20Saint%20Joseph%20First%20Com%20-%20Kelley,%20Bennet,%20C.P._5807.pdf

The meaning of the word host: https://aleteia.org/2016/05/22/why-is-the-eucharist-called-a-host/

Types of unleavened bread slideshow: https://recipes.howstuffworks.com/10-unleavened-breads.htm

The Real Presence, especially John 6:35-69, but read the full context: http://www.usccb.org/bible/john/6

Meaning of receive: https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/receive

Meaning of take: https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/take

Chewing and even "gnawing" the Host: https://www.catholiceducation.org/en/controversy/protestant-objections/the-eucharist-is-the-real-presence-biblical.html and https://www.patheos.com/blogs/prayergardens/2015/08/devouring-christ/

Attacks on our Catholic belief in the Real Presence: https://www.thecatholicthing.org/2011/08/06/the-eucharist-a-cannibalism/

Do not share Communion with your children: http://www.dailycatholic.org/spioxbio.htm

Mortal sin: ​http://www.saintaquinas.com/mortal_sin.html