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| Do This in Memory - parish based First Communion preparation that works |
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 In the last year four parishes in the diocese, Aughnacloy, Beragh, Darver and Errigal Ciaran piloted the Do This in Memory programme. Do This in Memory is a parish-based programme which helps to prepare children for first Eucharist. In the pilot parishes it was very well received and highly successful. In the words of one parent "It was a fantastic programme that the children really enjoyed."The programme takes place on a monthly basis in the context of the Sunday liturgy. One of the Masses is designated as the Mass where the children, their parents and other family members gather. The theme of the Mass focuses on the Eucharist and the children's involvement is encouraged. There are also home materials that the parents and children use together. For the piloting parishes preparation was the central ingredient that made the programme work. In sharing on the programme the parents and priests agreed that the programme worded best where there was preparation that was supported by the priest. Ideally parents are invited to an introductory meeting in September where the process is explained to them. The piloting parishes found this to be important – it helped parents to understand what was involved and why they were being invited to participate. Then, prior to the Sunday Mass there was a preparation meeting where decisions were made with regard to who would take responsibility for the various parts of the Mass. Usually this meeting was held on an evening in the week prior to the Mass and those parishes that ensured that the meeting was held and had priest involvement gained the most. One of the piloting priests who had purposely left the preparation to the parents said in reflection "I can see how important it is to be involved in the planning and I will be next year." Perhaps the priest's presence isn't necessary always but if not it would be important to have a coordinator who is familiar with liturgy and who will instill confidence in the parents. The priests were delighted with the programme and intend to continue with it this year. One said "I can't think of anything better to involve people who would not otherwise be involved." Another said "It is bringing parents and children to Mass who wouldn't otherwise be there and it gives children an intimacy and ease with the Church." While the priests valued the impact of the programme on the adults the parents highlighted what the children gained. One parent said: "It brought the meaning of Holy Communion home to the children. There was none of the money stuff and clothes. Meeting Christ was the focus." Another said: "The children felt special. It made them feel comfortable at the altar of the day." Another outcome of using the programme was that it brought the children's preparation for first Communion to the attention of the parish community. One parent commented: "It created an awareness in the whole community of the importance of Holy Communion." Parishes that wish to implement the Do This In Memory process can contact our office. We are will to introduce the programme to parish leaders and to the parents of those preparing for First Holy Communion. September is the time to get started. To express an interest in this This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . You can read a review of the programme here. |
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