Sacramental Prep
First Reconciliation and Eucharist
We are honored to invite the children to prepare for Eucharist, a Sacrament of Initiation. There are few moments in life that are remembered so tenderly as First Communion. Eucharist is about gathering at the Lord’s table where all are welcome to celebrate the death and resurrection of Jesus. Weekly, we gather with the community to be renewed in our faith, challenged and encouraged by the Word, nourished and strengthened by the Body and Blood of Christ.
The Sacraments of Eucharist and Penance, (also known as Reconciliation), are intimately connected. In the Roman Church, preparation for and celebration of the Sacrament of Reconciliation precedes that of First Communion. In his death and resurrection Christ overcomes sin and restores communion between the Father and humanity. God's super-abundant love and mercy also lie at the heart of the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Human beings always stand within the the Father's call to repentance and grace. Our God so desires to reconcile, to forgive, and to be in communion with each of us. Students celebrating First Eucharist in second grade must have been enrolled at St. Barnabas Catholic School or in Religious Education in first grade. There is a Eucharist fee of $45.00 per child. Please note fees are due Friday, November 1.
For further details, please contact the Religious Education Office, 773-445-3450. (Click here for First Eucharist Information Sheet)
FIRST RECONCILIATION and EUCHARIST
The Eucharist is the “source and summit” of our Christian lives. Walking the journey toward First Communion with our children in both an honor and a serious responsibility. It is in this year we communicate most intently with our kids about how God loves and forgives us, how our actions have consequences and how God wishes us to remain in a loving relationship, even when we fall short, and how God feeds us with his very self.
First Reconciliation and First Communion Calendar 2021–2022
Tuesday, September 28, First Communion Parent Formation Night
7:00 PM to 8:30 PM in Church
Parents come to Church on Tuesday, September 28 at 7:00 PM where we will pray, reflect, and help parents prepare for their children’s First Reconciliation and First Communion.
Sunday, October 24, 2021, First Reconciliation and First Eucharist Promises and Enrollment of Candidates
10:00 to 11:00 AM in Church
Parish 2nd Graders and their families will come to a special 10:00 AM Mass and make a covenant to prepare for their first sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist. There will be food and a festive get-together in the Church Hall afterward.
Friday, November 5
Communion fees ($45) are due.
Tuesday, November 9, First Reconciliation Preparation Night
6:30 PM to 7:15 PM in Church
Children receiving the sacrament of First Reconciliation and a parent or parents will come to church to pray and reflect. There will be a First Reconciliation role play with an adult and older child and Q and A after to help the children better understand the sacrament.
Tuesday, December 7, Sacrament of First Reconciliation
6:30 to 8:00 PM in Church.
NOTE: The material and instructions to build your child’s First Communion Banner will be given out at this time as people exit.
Wednesday, March 9, 1st Communion Photos (Optional)
5:00 – 7:00 PM, Church Hall
Children will come to the Church Hall dressed in their First Communion attire for a photograph with Van Gogh photography. Taking part in the photo is optional. More details about schedule (times for boys, girls) will be sent in February 2022.
Wednesday, March 30
First Communion Banners Due. Banners can be sent to school to be given to the 2nd grade teachers, brought to the school office by a parent, or brought to the Rectory office. Religious Ed families can also hand them in at Religious Ed on March 27.
Tuesday, April 26, First Communion Rehearsal
6:30 PM to 7:30 PM in Church
First Communion Rehearsal with parents and child.
Saturday, April 30, Sacrament of First Communion
10:00 AM in Church
Sunday, May 1, Communicants First Sunday Eucharist
10:00 AM in Church
CONFIRMATION
The rite of Confirmation begins with the laying on of hands, which is an ancient gesture of prayer symbolizing the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. As we accept the Holy Spirit, we are confirmed in our faith and given strength to be disciples of Jesus. As eighth graders prepare for new challenges and discoveries, Confirmation enables them to meet each moment, aware that God is present to them and has sealed the gifts needed to make decisions as followers of Jesus. Reception of this sacrament takes place in eighth grade. Enrollment in St. Barnabas Catholic School or regular attendance in our Religious Education Program is required. The Confirmation Program begins in 7th grade with an emphasis on service and continues in 8th grade with preparation for the sacrament.There is a $55.00 Confirmation fee per child for materials & speakers.
For further details, please contact Patrick McGowan 773-445-3450 or at pmcgowan@stbarnabasparish.org
Confirmation Calendar 2021–2022
8th Grade Calendar (See Below for 7th Grade Dates)
Tuesday, October 5
Confirmation Fee ($55) is Due.
Sunday, October 17, Confirmation Promises, Enrollment of Candidates
10:00 AM Mass, in Church
Confirmation Candidates and Parents will come to a special Mass to make their Confirmation promises and be enrolled as Confirmation Candidates. There will be food and a festive get-together afterward.
Tuesday, October 19, Confirmandi and Sponsor Night
7:00 to 8:30 PM in Church.
Confirmation Candidates and sponsors (or a parent or guardian, if sponsor unavailable) will come for a night of reflection.
Friday, November 5, Virtual Event: Holy Fire
Approx. 8:30 AM to 2:30 PM, in St Barnabas Church
The Archdiocese’s annual Jr. High event “Holy Fire,” normally held at UIC, will be virtual this year and is mandatory for the Confirmandi. Mr. McGowan will be happy to work with all Religious Ed families to communicate to their schools the need for an excused absence for religious reasons. More information will be given in early October.
December, Date TBD
4:00 to 6:30 PM, in Church Hall
Parish Confirmation Retreat. Mandatory.
Sunday, December 5, and Monday, December 6, Assignments Due
Confirmandi will hand in two (2) assignments: A one (1) page, double-spaced Saint Report, and a one (1) page, double-spaced letter to the Bishop, requesting to be Confirmed. Assignment details will be given by catechist or 8th grade religion teacher and will be handed in to catechist or 8th grade St. Barnabas teacher on the 5th and 6th.
Sunday, January 23, 2022 to Friday, January 28, 2022, Confirmation Interviews with Parish Leaders
Confirmandi interviews with parish leaders for 30 minutes. Religious Ed Confimandi will interview on 1/23 at time of regular RE session. St. Barnabas School students will interview during the week of 1/24 to 1/28. More details to follow in December.
Tuesday, February 22, 2022, Confirmation Rehearsal
7:00 PM to 8:30 PM, in Church
Confirmation Rehearsal for all Confirmandi. Those with leadership roles (opening welcome, lector, gift bearer) will need to remain at Church until 8:30 PM to practice. All other Confirmandi will be dismissed between 8:00 and 8:15.
Friday, February 25, Sacrament of Confirmation
7:00 PM to 9:30 PM in Church
7th Grade Calendar
Thursday, October 28, 7th Grade Introduction to Confirmation Program
7:00 to 8:15 PM in Church.
7th Graders who wished to be confirmed in 2023 will come to an introductory event in Church with one parent.
April 2022 (Date TBD)
7th Grade Retreat with the organization Youth Frontiers, along with Christ the King 7th Graders. During the school day.
Thursday, May 5, 2022, 7th Grade Confirmation Candidate and Parent Night
7:00 to 8:15 PM in Church.
7th Graders will receive Service Journals, preview the 8th Grade Confirmation Process, and reflect on the meaning of the sacrament with one parent.