Greetings and Blessings!
I am delighted to be able to share in this journey with your family as you prepare your child(ren) for their First Reconciliation and First Eucharist!  In the remainder of this letter you will find 1) what we ask that you accomplished prior to the first parent session on September 26^th, 2018 and 2) what the parish expectations for your family are this sacramental preparation year.
Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions.  You may reach me by e-mail at hiedit@fdcatholic.com or via the Business Office phone, 515-955-6077.  I typically am in the office 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.
In Christ,
 
Hiedi M. Touney
Holy Trinity Parish Life Director
Coordinator of First Reconciliation and First Eucharist
************************************************************************************
 Please do the following before our first session on September 26^th, 2018
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 $15.00 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 September 26th.  Without the certificate we are unable to celebrate either sacrament; First Reconciliation and/or First Eucharist.

2) Please go to www.holytrinitywci.formed.org (the box is on the left side of the home page) and register yourself to utilize this free resource that we will be utilizing for sacramental preparation.  FORMED is a resource that we will be utilized not only for the children, but for the adults, which will include an on-line discussion group.

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 with each week.
3) Choose, and sign up, a minimum of one time to carry up the offertory
 gifts (host, wine and collection) at a weekend mass.  You may do this by going to https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A0545ABAA28A20-holy or by utilizing the link on the registration page.
4) Pray Lectio Divina with your child(ren) and complete the assigned reflection sheet.  The Lectio Divina Reflection Sheet can be found on the parish website at www.holytrinitywci.org .  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)

	Due Date
Mark 10:17-27	October 31st
Mark 12:28b-34	November 31st
Luke 3:15-16, 21-22	January 31st
Luke 5:1-11	February 28th
Luke 4:1-13	March 30th

 
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).

Date	Time	Where	Topic	Who
September 26th	6:30-7:30 p.m.	St. Edmond HS Commons	Forgiven	Parents Only
October 24th	6:30 – 7:30 p.m.	St. Edmond HS Commons	Forgiven	Parents Only
November 28th	6:30 – 7:30 p.m.	St. Edmond HS Commons	Forgiven	Parents Session Children Session
December 2nd	3:00 – 4:00 p.m.	Sacred Heart Church	First Reconciliation Celebration	Parents  and Child (ren)
January 23rd	6:30 – 7:30 p.m.	St. Edmond HS Commons	Real Presence	Parents Only
February 20th	6:30 - 7:30 p.m.	St. Edmond HS Commons	Real Presence	Parents Only
March 27th	6:30 – 7:30 p.m.	St. Edmond HS Commons	Real Presence	Parents Only
April 6th	9:00-Noon	Corpus Christi Center / Church	First Eucharist Retreat and Practice	Parent(s) and Child(ren)
April 7th	Pictures:  12:30 pm Mass: 2:00 p.m.	Sacred Heart Church	First Eucharist Celebration	Parent(s) and Child(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 an above - please refer to your customized schedule.  If in doubt, please contact me - Hiedi Touney hiedit@fdcatholic.com or 955-6077