As we begin this new year our thoughts turn to the children in Grade 2 and the celebration of their First Reconciliation and First Eucharist. This is always a very joyful time for a family and for the parish community. Jesus, the Good Shepherd continues to call these children to follow Him and to grow as a disciple.
This year’s programme for these Sacraments will be different than in the past due to the pandemic. We will provide a take-home programme that is very user friendly for both the children & adults. Some of the school teachers have chosen to use the programme in class so it depends which school your child attends. Regardless, they will be prepared to receive these sacraments.
At this time, the most important thing is to complete the registration form and get it back to the parish as soon as possible. Once we have that we will be able to communicate via email with some dates and the process for obtaining the take home programme. We ask that you return the form ASAP: before March 12that the latest. You can also use the electronic form. Forms can be returned to the parish office at Our Lady of the Atonement- there is a mailbox at the Family Centre or in the mailbox over at St. John Vianney Church. Please do not mail it in as this takes too long due to recent mail disruptions in delivery.
We will also provide suggestions for kid friendly videos to watch on our faith formation site FORMED.org. This site has lots of Catholic programs for children & adults. More details on FORMED will be sent home with the take home package.
Once we receive your child's information an email will be sent to each family to confirm registration and to send out additional information. We anticipate hopefully celebrating Reconciliation in April and First Eucharist probably in mid-May and June but the schedule is very fluid at the moment due to the pandemic.
We look forward to celebrating with the children and their families. If you have any questions, please give us a call: at 519-735-6023.
Contact Rachelle Leslie ext. 32 for children affiliated with schools in the St. John Vianney Church area including: St. John Vianney, St. Anne French Immersion, Georges Vanier, and any public schools in the area.
Contact Maria Mollica ext. 23 for children affiliated with schools in the Our Lady of the Atonement and St. Vincent de Paul Church areas including: L A Desmarais, H J Lassaline, W J Langlois, St. Therese and public schools in these two areas.
We look forward to this very special time with your family.
In Christ, Fr. Rob Rocheleau Fr. Daniel Bombardier Rachelle Leslie Pastoral Minister Maria Mollica Coordinator of Youth Ministry