COVID-19 Response
COVID–19 UPDATE: As of Thursday, November 12, all public assemblies (including Masses, both Sunday and weekday) are suspended in all Manitoban parishes, and will be such until further notice.
To learn more about our building COVID-19 protocols, please click here.
To learn more about our building COVID-19 protocols, please click here.
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At this time, Archbishop Albert has granted all the Catholic faithful of the Archdiocese of Saint Boniface dispensation from their Sunday obligation (cf. Code of Canon Law, 87).
Archdiocesan Sunday Masses will be celebrated every Sunday morning, the English Mass will be live-streamed at 10:00 a.m. from Holy Cross Parish, with Archbishop LeGatt presiding on the Archdiocesan Facebook page. The French Mass will be live-streamed at 10:00 a.m. from Saint-Martyrs-Canadiens Parish, with Brother Germain Kpakafi, presiding. The French Mass can be followed on the Saint-Martyrs-Canadiens YouTube channel. Remember, We can all reduce our risk by focusing on the following fundamentals and adopting the following habits to help prevent the spread of COVID-19: Check yourself for symptoms every day, Stay home when you are sick, Get tested if you have symptoms of COVID-19, Wash your hands or use alcohol based hand sanitizer frequently, Cover your cough/sneeze, Maintain social (physical) distancing and Wear a mask when social (physical) distancing is not possible |
Sacraments 201: Eucharist (what we believe) by Busted Halo
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First Eucharist
As of Thursday, November 12, all public assemblies (including Sacrament preparation and celebrations) are CANCELLED in all Manitoban parishes, and will be such until further notice. To learn more about our building COVID-19 protocols, please click here.
At what age should a child first receive the Sacrament of Holy Eucharist?
At St. Joseph the Worker Church, children may prepare to celebrate their First Eucharist when they are eight or older. These children must be baptised members of the Roman Catholic Church and must have celebrated their First Reconciliation.
The suggested age for the preparation of your child is only a guideline, there is no need to rush your child into receiving the sacraments. Our sacramental preparation programs are offered every year.
The suggested age for the preparation of your child is only a guideline, there is no need to rush your child into receiving the sacraments. Our sacramental preparation programs are offered every year.
What preparation is required for my child to celebrate their First Eucharist?
Since Eucharistic celebrations are at the heart of our faith, children are expected to participate in Mass with their families each week. It is also expected that children be reasonably familiar with what happens at Mass.
Before receiving their First Eucharist, your child must complete a minimum of twenty hours in an ongoing program of catechesis. These twenty hours should be completed in the year prior to the reception of the sacrament. An ongoing program of catechesis is defined by the Archdiocese of St. Boniface as catechetical sessions for school-aged children, in the form of regular systematic catechesis in a parish or school setting. These sessions assist in initiating the children into the fullness of Christian life.
In addition, your child must complete six to eight sessions of sacramental catechesis before they can receive the sacrament of First Eucharist. Sacramental catechesis is defined by the Archdiocese of St. Boniface as the catechetical sessions offered specifically to prepare for the sacraments. A retreat is also a usual part of the preparation. These catechetical sessions, participation in the life of the Christian community of worship and service along with a life of faith lived in family life are essential.
Before receiving their First Eucharist, your child must complete a minimum of twenty hours in an ongoing program of catechesis. These twenty hours should be completed in the year prior to the reception of the sacrament. An ongoing program of catechesis is defined by the Archdiocese of St. Boniface as catechetical sessions for school-aged children, in the form of regular systematic catechesis in a parish or school setting. These sessions assist in initiating the children into the fullness of Christian life.
In addition, your child must complete six to eight sessions of sacramental catechesis before they can receive the sacrament of First Eucharist. Sacramental catechesis is defined by the Archdiocese of St. Boniface as the catechetical sessions offered specifically to prepare for the sacraments. A retreat is also a usual part of the preparation. These catechetical sessions, participation in the life of the Christian community of worship and service along with a life of faith lived in family life are essential.
Are there requirements of the parents who wish to have their child celebrate their First Eucharist?
Our program is family based, meaning that the parents are involved in their child's sacramental preparation. While the children are meeting for their sacramental catechesis sessions, parents are required to participate in a minimum of six hours of adult catechesis. These adult catechetical sessions are required by the Archdiocese of St. Boniface and are designed to help parents rediscover and reinvigorate their faith and give them the essential elements of the faith so that they may, in turn, pass them to their children.
Parents are also encouraged to be actively involved in their child's faith journey at home by helping them with their weekly assignments from their family workbook.
Parents are also encouraged to be actively involved in their child's faith journey at home by helping them with their weekly assignments from their family workbook.
When are First Eucharist preparation classes?
Sacrament preparation in our church is suspended at this time.
Do we need to be registered members of St. Joseph the Worker church to have our child receive their First Eucharist in your Parish?
Yes, if you wish for your child to receive their First Eucharist in our parish it is assumed that you are practising your faith in our church and are a registered member of our church. The reception of any sacrament is a celebration of the Catholic community where you worship and should be celebrated in your home parish. There are some exceptions, and in these cases we will work with non-members to provide the sacrament. If your family belongs to another parish, we ask for a letter of delegation from the pastor of your home parish. This is done as a courtesy for the priest of your home parish, who traditionally has sacramental jurisdiction over their own parishioners.
We are not currently registered members of any church, can we register at St. Joseph the Worker?
If you are called to worship in our church and would like to be part of our parish community, then you are welcome to register with us. To learn more about becoming a registered member of St. Joseph the Worker Church, please contact the parish office.
Do both parents need to attend all the preparation classes?
Yes, if this is your first child being preparing for the sacrament, both parents must attend all preparation classes. If you are unable to accommodate this, we recommend waiting until a time when your schedule will work with these classes. Parents are only required to complete these sessions once with their first child but may choose to participate again with a younger child at another date.
When is first eucharist celebrated?
Sacrament celebrations in our church are suspended at this time.
Are there costs associated with First Eucharist Preparation?
To cover the cost of the workbooks and materials used during the preparation sessions there is a fee. Those without financial means are not obligated to pay the full amount. For more information, please contact our Coordinator of Catechetics.
