Dear Parents and Guardians,
Below is updated information since the release of the newest Diocese of Sioux City COVID-19 task force guidelines on Monday, January 18th, 2021.  

First Reconciliation:
First Reconciliation will occur as a part of the First Eucharist retreat on April 17^th.

First Eucharist Parent/Guardian Formation:
Parents/guardians  are expected to attend one of the following,  February 20^th or February 21^st from 1-4pm at Corpus Christi Center,  formation afternoon that will feature the study “Presence” from Augustine Institute.   We will requiring masks to be worn and that individuals/couples social distance from others. Please follow this link to sign up for the session that works best for you.  First Eucharist Parent Formation

First Eucharist Retreat:
Those children, and their parents/guardians, who have been prepared and seeking to receive the sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist are expected attend a small retreat on Saturday, April 17^th from 9:00am-Noon at Holy Trinity Church.  During this time the sacrament of Reconciliation will be celebrated for all in attendance, walk through the Mass for the next day and participate in hands on activities. 

First Eucharist Mass:
April 18^th , 2:00pm at Holy Trinity Church.  Professional individual pictures will be taken following the Mass. Below you are able to find a document that reviews appropriate attire for the celebration of this sacrament.   At this time we would anticipate having to limit each family to a pew, 8-10 people.  We will provide more information regarding this in March once we've received a newer update of COVID protocols from the Diocese. 

Please continue to work with your child(ren) regarding preparation for the reception of the sacrament of Reconciliation, a “how to” guide is listed below. 

For All Families:
Remember that FORMED.org is a great tool to watch videos and/or look back at what we learned in the parent sessions in October.   www.formed.org   or direct link to “Forgiven” on FORMED.org   https://watch.formed.org/forgiven      Signs of Grace from FORMED is also got some great videos for you and your children to view: https://watch.formed.org/signs-of-grace

Lection Divina reflection sheets are being shared in hard copy at both St. Edmond and Faith Formation – please be on the look out for these.   These can be returned via the teacher, parish office drop box (ramp door), offertory at mass or scanned and sent to my e-mail  hiedit@fdcatholic.com

Please do not hesitate to reach out to me with any questions you might have!   Hiedi Touney  515-955-6077 or hiedit@fdcatholic.com

God’s blessings be upon all of your families,

Hiedi Touney 
Parish Life Director 
515-955-6077 or hiedit@fdcatholic.com 
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 Please do the following before our first parent session on October 3rd, 2020 
1) Register your child(ren) for First Reconciliation/Eucharist preparation by going to:
Faith Formation Families: https://holytrinitywci.org/formation-links
St. Edmond Families: https://holytrinitywci.org/sacramental-preparation
Fees are $20.00 per child   (plus $45.00 fee if the child is in Rock Climbers)

2) If your child was baptized at a parish other than Holy Trinity Catholic Parish we will need a copy of your child’s baptismal certificate no later than November 1, 2020.  Without the certificate we are unable to celebrate either sacrament: First Reconciliation and/or First Eucharist.

2) Please go to www.formed.org  and register yourself for this free resource that we will be utilizing for sacramental preparation.  FORMED is a resource that we will utiliz not only for the children, but for the adults.  A link can be found below. 

Preparation Expectations:
1) Your child(ren) are expected to attend St. Edmond Catholic School or Rock Climber classes for sacramental preparation through the parish.  The parish and school do not replace the parent as the primary catechist!

2) Attend Mass each Sunday (Saturday evening) – I always encourage families to sit near the front so that the children can see what is happening.  As they, and you, learn more about the sacraments, you will all have “new eyes” to see and participate in the Mass each week.

3) Pray Lectio Divina with your child(ren) and complete the assigned reflection sheet.  The Lectio Divina Reflection Sheet can be found below under "Documents."  Once the Lectio Divina Reflection Sheet is completed it is to be turned into your child’s/children’s catechist (SE teacher or Rock Climber catechist).  The following are the scripture passages and due dates.  (see "Documents" section below for Lectio Divina reflection sheets)

 
5) Parents are to attend the following formation sessions, retreat and sacramental celebrations.  Should you be unable to attend please contact me, Hiedi, as soon as possible so that we can arrange for the session to be made up, via an on-line activity.  hiedit@fdcatholic.com   *Please note the dates that include your chid(ren).

Once again, if you need clarification or have any concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me!
Hiedi Touney, hiedit@fdcatholic.com or 955-6077
 
 *please note that a few of you have different expectations due to needing to have your child baptized or that your child is 3rd grade and above - please refer to your customized schedule.  If in doubt, please contact me - Hiedi Touney hiedit@fdcatholic.com or 955-6077