K I T C H E N E R- • -O N T A R I O- • -C A N A D A

"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them ...
and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you.
And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age."
(Matthew 27, 28)

Sacraments of First Reconciliation and Holy Communion (2011-2012)

Dear Parents,

It is with great joy that I welcome you to this process of preparing your children for the sacraments of Reconciliation and Holy Communion.  I am pleased to join with you in the introduction of your children to these important sacraments.  It is my hope that you will continue to support your children by practicing the Catholic faith with them through your own example, especially by participating weekly in the Sunday Mass and praying with them daily. 

We are blessed to have Catholic Schools in our parish, which assist us in teaching about the Catholic faith.  This co-operation is very important to the parish in helping the children understand and practice their faith in their school environment.

On a parish level we will be involved in the immediate preparation for the sacraments.  With the assistance of religious sisters and parish volunteers we will help in the preparation of your children.  See the complete schedule of all events on the back and the application form inside this package.  We ask you to fill out the application form and return it to the parish office by October 30th, 2011.

In Christ,

Fr. W. Kuzma
Parish Priest

Click here to view or print a First Communion Application Form

Helping Your Child to
Share in the Holy Eucharist

SUNDAY EUCHARIST: AN INVITATION
The Sunday Eucharist is at the very center of the Catholic Christian. It is the “heartbeat” of the Christian life. Every aspect of our Catholic life, everything else we do, is rooted in our celebration of Sunday Mass. Without our participation in the Sunday Eucharist, our Christian lives are incomplete. The most important way you help your child prepare for any sacrament is to participate regularly with him/her in the Sunday Eucharist (every week).   At St. Aloysius Parish our Sunday Masses are offered at the following times: Saturday at 5pm, and Sunday at 9am, 11am and 7pm.

OTHER PARISH LITURGIES
During the week, the parish gathers to pray every day.  We welcome you to participate in any or all the liturgies, especially if you have been unable to join the community for Sunday Eucharist. At St. Aloysius weekday Masses are offered Monday through Saturday at 8:15 am, and Tuesday through Friday at 7pm.

SACRAMENT OF PENANCE
Every Catholic has a responsibility of celebrating confession at least once a year, but frequent confession (monthly) is recommended. A priest is in the confessional 30 minutes before each weekday and Sunday Mass.

Helping Your Child
Learn How to Pray

Our attitude toward God affects our prayer. The way we learn to pray as children influences the way we enter into the worship of the believing community. Here are a few tips for praying with children:

• Have scheduled time for prayer with your child each day (e.g. Before going to bed).
• Pray with your children. Do not have them put on a show for you by just praying in front of you, but invite them to pray with you.  It is very important that children see their parents praying.
• Use simple prayers that children can easily learn: Our Father, Hail Mary, the rosary, etc.
• Use sacramentals to help with prayer: holy pictures, cross, rosary, bible, etc.  You can create a sacred corner in your home where the family will come together to pray each day.