Welcome to sacramental preparation for First Holy Communion!
Our approach to faith formation at Apple Valley Catholic Community (AVCC) will continue this year with our traditions of:
For 2022-2023, we will utilize a hybrid model of in person and Zoom lessons. We joyously discovered the ease of participating in catechetical lessons from the comfort of our own homes. The at home zoom lessons allow us to meet for more freqently in shorter sessions, fostering that love of learning in digestible quantities. The in person meetings allow us to continue to connect as a community and build relationships.
Everyone is encouraged to participate in the weekend Mass:
The schedule is as follows:
Saturday at 4pm at St. Isidore
Sunday at 8:45am at St. Isidore
Sunday at 10:45am at St. Elizabeth of Hungary
Sunday at 5pm at St. Elizabeth of Hungary
Children’s Liturgy of the Word is offered at most 8:45 am and 10:45 am masses and is an excellent opportunity for the children to hear the readings and Gospel followed by discussions/activities to help gain a deeper understanding and connection with God’s word.
*This is a key component of helping our children understand the teachings of God*
Please note: All In Person Meetings are at 10 am and all Zoom Meetings are at 8am
Schedule
The year will be split in half, with the Fall dedicated to preparation for the sacrament of Reconciliation. We will continue our preparation for First Eucharist in the new year, wrapping up in late Spring.
FIRST RECONCILIATION
Sept. 25 - Kickoff (11:45 am following the 10:45 am mass at St. Elizabeth's)
Oct. 23 - First Reconciliation Meeting 1: In-Person 10 am St. Isidores
Oct. 30 - First Reconcilaition Meeting 2: Zoom 8am
Nov. 6 - First Reconciliation Meeting 3 : Zoom 8 am
Nov. 13 -First Reconciliation Meting 4 : In-Person 10 am St. Elizabeth’s
Nov. 20- First Reconciliation Meeting 5: Zoom 8 am
Dec. 4 - First Reconciliation Meeting 6: Zoom 8 am
Dec. 11- First Reconciliation Meeting 7: In-Person 10 am St. Isidore's
Jan. 8 - First Reconciliation Meeting 8: Zoom 8 am
Jan. 22 - First Reconciliation Review: In-Person 11:45 St. Elizabeth’s
Jan. 28 (Sat) - First Reconciliation: 11 am or 1 pm
FIRST COMMUNION
March 5- First Communion Meeting 1: In-Person 10 am St. Isidore's
March 12 - First Communion Meeting 2: Zoom 8 am
March 19- First Communion Meeting 3: Zoom 8 am
March 26- First Communion Meeting 4: Zoom 8 am
April 2- First Communion Meeting 5: In-Person 10 am St. Elizabeth's
April 23-First Communion Meeting 6: Zoom 8 am
April 30-First Communion Meeting 7: Zoom 8 am
May 7-First Communion Meeting 8: In-Person 10 am St. Isidore's
May 21-First Communion Meeting 9: Zoom 8 am
June 4- First Communion Review: In-Person St. Elizabeth's
June 10- First Communion
All dates subject to change, of course.
Faith Lessons at Home. Since parents are the primary models and teachers of faith for their children, you will work together with your child on the Go-Seek-Find home lessons each week.
Zoom Mini Lessons. Your child, together with at least one parent (siblings are always welcome too!), will gather together on Sunday mornings for our 30-minute, small group mini-lessons lead by our program director. Our mini-lessons will use engaging and fun small group activities to facilitate conversation about how the key points of the faith lesson relate to everyday life.
Safety Guidelines. Mini lessons will utilize our secured parish Zoom account managed by Kelley Christie, our Coordinator of Faith Formation K-4. Our break-out groups will be facilitated by a CORI’d and Protecting God’s Children (PGC) adult volunteers. Please let Kelley know if you are interested in helping lead our small group discussions.
Our First Communion curriculum is from St. Mary’s Press, and it’s called “Go Seek Find”. Your child will receive a complete Catholic Children’s Bible along with two Folders with their activity booklets, one for First Reconciliation and one for First Eucharist. There are wonderful parent and family resources to support your faith journey on the publisher’s website: https://www.smp.org/series/87/Go-Seek-Find-Discover-Gods-Treasures/
Next Steps. Here are some important next steps (if you haven’t done so already):
Complete Your Online Faith Formation Registration