Dear Parents and Carers,

We welcome children and their families to our program for the Sacrament of Eucharist:

• Year 4 St Columba's students
• External candidates undertaking their preparation at another school
• Children participating in the Parish Religious Education Program (PREP)

St Columba's students will be prepared for the Sacrament of Eucharist as part of our Religious Education curriculum. Content covers:

• People gather to celebrate
• Jesus celebrates with others
• The Eucharist began with the Last Supper
• Holy Communion unites people with Jesus in a special way
• The Liturgy of the Eucharist is the central part of the Mass
• People live a Eucharistic life

We look forward to sharing this important faith journey with you.

Allen McMahon

Principal

• Year 4 Teachers - Miss Bechelli and Mrs Pilatti
• Assistant Principal - Jesse Yock
• Catechist Coordinator - Helen Sisto

• All children receiving the Sacraments must attend the Enrolment Mass with a parent.

• Sacramental enrolment forms are handed into classroom teachers no later than one week before the Enrolment Mass.
• PREP children and external candidates hand the Enrolment Mass forms into the Catechist Coordinator.

• One parent from each family to attend.

• Runs for approximately one hour.

• At the Church.

• St Columba’s candidates make banners at school.
• PREP children and external candidates will be given a package to complete theirs at home.
• Banners must be ready for the rehearsal.

• Facilitated by 24:7 Ministry.
• Held in St Columba's Kalyara Mia (undercover area) within school hours from 9 am to 3 pm.
• PREP children and external candidates to be dropped off and picked up at St Columba's front office.
• Children wear sports uniform, including hat.
• Bring morning tea, lunch and drink bottle.

• All school candidates have Reconciliation at school before the rehearsal day.

• PREP children and external candidates will need to go to Reconciliation with their families.

• Student rehearsal begins 9 am at the church.
• Runs for approximately one hour.
• PREP children and external candidates to attend.

• Reflects the importance of the ceremony and should not take away from its meaning.

• Smart trousers and a collared shirt for boys.

• Traditionally, girls wear a white dress.

• Candidates meet at the Parish Centre no later than 15 minutes before the starting time.
• Families proceed to the Church while candidates wait at the Parish Centre, ready for the commencement of Mass.

• A professional photographer takes photos before, during and after Mass and will include individual, family and a group photo. Photography begins in the gardens 45 minutes before Mass. These photos are made available to purchase at a date to be advised.

• All other photos and videos are prohibited during Mass, as this takes away from the significance of the ceremony.
• Families are welcome to take their own photos before and afterwards.

• Each family is allocated a pew with your family name on it. Please be seated before Mass begins.
• Children enter in procession at the commencement of Mass.

• Children receive Holy Communion with their families, followed by the congregation.

• Walk up reverently with hands together.

• Bow as a sign of reverence.
• Place hands left over right.
• Respond to 'The Body of Christ' with 'Amen'.
• Place the host into your mouth.
• Avoid chewing with an open mouth.
• Walk off reverently.
• Kneel at your seat and say a thank you prayer.
• Those not receiving Holy Communion are welcome to receive a blessing.

• Please be mindful that there are two collections during Mass; please bring small change if you wish to donate.

• Certificates are presented to candidates at the end of Mass.

• These certificates are valuable documents. Please keep them in a safe place as the school cannot re-print copies.

• At the end of Mass students proceed out of the church via the side door and meet at the Parish Centre.
• Candidates must return the red sash used during the ceremony to the Parish Centre.
• Cupcakes are provided to children at the Parish Centre. PREP children and external candidates to advise the Catechist Coordinator of any allergies or medical considerations.