Dear Second Grade Parent(s):
Congratulations for being the parent(s) of a second grader. Here at Holy Trinity, the second graders receive two sacraments for the first time, reconciliation and communion. Our hope is that you and your families will experience the joy and love of God in a new and special way as you share in the excitement and preparation of these sacraments with your child.
Because of the sacramental preparation, the second grade year is unlike any other. There are requirements set by our Universal Church, the Archdiocese of Atlanta as well as Holy Trinity. Please keep this letter as a guide/checklist to keep track of what is required so that your child is not left out of anything along the way. Enclosed is a table of dates and times that are set for various activities for the second graders and/or families. The following is a list of those things that are unique to second grade with a brief definition of each.
___Baptismal Certificate ___ Reconciliation/Communion Retreats
___Family Orientation ___Communion Rehearsal
___Parent Formation Sessions
Baptismal Certificate - Verification of a Catholic Baptism is required before the reception of any other sacraments. We are required to have a copy of the baptismal certificate on file for each student. If your child was not baptized Catholic, call me for additional information.
Family Orientation - Each family is asked to meet with a member of our staff to enable us to determine if we are meeting your needs and expectations and to insure that our families are able to meet the needs and expectations for the reception of the sacraments. We would like to meet with one or both parents for approximately 30 minutes. Call the religious education office as soon as possible to schedule your appointment. (If you have done a family orientation recently – call me)
Parent Formation - As a part of the immediate catechesis process, we provide an adult formation class for parents and guardians of sacramental candidates. There will be several opportunities for classes on both reconciliation and communion. At least one parent/guardian is required to attend.
Reconciliation & Communion Retreat - A mini-retreat gives the children and parents an opportunity to bring together all that they have learned about the sacraments and to come together with the greater community of second graders. The children and at least one parent are required to attend.
First Communion Rehearsal - It is very important that our Liturgical Celebration of First Holy Communion be very well planned and rehearsed in order to preserve its sanctity and holiness. Therefore, attendance is required for the second grader and at least one parent or guardian.
I look forward to meeting all of you and walking beside you as we continue along our faith journeys.
By Mary Joyce Calnan and David M. Thomas
Dear God,
Be patient with us as we seek to find you in our daily life.
Give us clear eyes to see, open ears to hear, and mostly big hearts
so that we can know and feel how much you love us.
Thank you for the gifts you have given to us.
You have blessed us and we know it. Amen.
Faithfully yours,
Pixie Smith,
Elementary Religious Education Coordinator