First Communion: Session 9
Chapter 16: We go to Mass
Introduction for parents
Key Questions
What is the Sacrament of the Eucharist? The Eucharist is the Body, Blood, soul and divinity of Jesus Christ under the appearances of bread and wine.
Why do we call the Mass a sacrifice? The Mass is a Sacrifice because it presents again on the altar the death of Jesus on the cross.
Sunday Mass is the time when all Catholics gather to praise and worship God. We must not miss Mass deliberately- this breaks the third Commandment. It is our weekly public act of worship.
The Mass has four parts:
We confess our sins
We listen to God’s Word
We offer bread and wine to God and he makes it become Jesus’s Body and Blood
We receive Communion.
We must try to learn the prayers and responses of the Mass so that we can play our part.
Activities for children
Read chapter 16 together - We Go To Mass
Complete the To write and To Do activities on page 39
Prayer to learn with family
Holy, holy, holy Lord God of hosts,Heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna in the Highest!
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!
Hosanna in the Highest!
Chapter 17: Jesus is really present
Introduction for parents
Key Questions
What is the tabernacle?
The tabernacle is where the Eucharist is kept so that we can adore and pray before Jesus who is really present there.
What does the Real Presence mean?
The Real Presence means that Jesus is truly there in the host- the Blessed Sacrament.
Catholics often visit the Blessed Sacrament in church when it is not time for Mass. It is a very good way of praying because Jesus is really there and we can adore him and think about him. Catholics can also receive a blessing with the Eucharist; this is called Benediction. The Eucharist has its own feast day - Corpus Christi, which means Body of Christ. This happens in the summer and some churches hold processions in Jesus’s honour.
Activities for children
Read chapter 17 together - Jesus is really present
Complete the To Do activity on page 41
Prayer to say with family
Jesus, my Lord I adore you.
Make me love you more and more.
O Sacrament most Holy,
O Sacrament Divine;
All praise and all thanksgiving be every moment thine.
Practise making the sign of the cross with your family and how to genuflect respectfully and gracefully.
Chapter 18: Jesus comes to me in Communion
Introduction for parents
Key Questions
How should I get ready for receiving Communion?
We should prepare for Communion by being free from mortal sin and keeping the Eucharistic fast.
What is the Eucharistic Fast?
Anyone who wants to receive Communion must not eat for one hour before.
God gives each of us great graces when we receive him in Communion. He makes us strong and healthy in our souls. Just as our bodies will weaken and die without food, so our souls need the Eucharist. It is our spiritual food for our journey to God. Holy Communion also gives us a glimpse of heaven.
In the Bible, heaven is sometimes called a great feast. The Mass gives us an earthly taste of eternal life with God.
Activities for children
Read chapter 18 together - Jesus comes to me in Communion
Complete the To Write activity on page 43
Prayer to say with family
Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof, but only say the word and my soul shall be healed.