Homeschool Plans: Preparing for First Eucharist and First Reconciliation

Once you've decided to homeschool, sacrament preparation for First Reconciliation (Confession) and First Eucharist (Communion) takes on a whole new aspect. Some homeschoolers decide to forego the parish preparation program entirely. We choose to participate in ours but I always supplement that preparation in our lessons at home.

Here's what we do.

Sunday Morning PSR
The K-5 PSR program on Sunday mornings happens between the early and late Masses and at the same time as an adult education class Kansas Dad co-teaches. Even if the information and class time is redundant, the social time is not; all of our children have friends in the parish who attend the PSR program and they enjoy that time together.

Children's Adoration
When Second Daughter was preparing for First Communion, the leader of our children's adoration hour read many books focused on the sacrament. Some of these are ones I read with previous children but some were new to us. Regardless of the actual program, time in adoration before the Lord is probably the very best preparation for First Reconciliation and First Eucharist.

• King of the Golden City by Mother Mary Loyola (I purchased this book used.) - I will definitely read King of the Golden City aloud to all the children this year before Second Son's sacraments. I wrote about this book on the blog a few years ago.
• The Little Flower: The Story of St. Therese of the Child Jesus by Mary Fabyan Windeatt - We don't own this one, but it's one all the kids heard two years ago.
• The Children of Fatima and Our Lady's Message to the World by Mary Fabyan Windeatt (purchased from the publisher) and Patron Saint of First Communicants: The Story of Blessed Imelda Lambertini by Mary Fabyan Windeatt (received as a gift) - I will probably let Second Son choose one of these for an independent read.
• St. Patrick's Summer by Marigold Hunt - I might read this aloud if we have time. I've never read it, but I've only heard excellent reports of it from other families and my own children.

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd
Level 2 classes, including many presentations to prepare children for Reconciliation and Communion. These are offered at our parish and there's even a daytime class for homeschooled students.

Our Preparation at Home

We have two "lessons" each week in second grade. One day we have "catechism" and on another day we have "sacrament preparation."

Catechism
We're going to read Jesus and I by Aloysius Heeg. This is one of my favorite books! It's sweet and straight-forward without being overly-simplistic. There are preparation questions at the end for First Reconciliation and First Eucharist, so it could almost work all on its own. I've written about it before on the blog. (I purchased this book from Sacred Heart Books and Gifts, though I don't see it on their site now in June 2018.)

Sacrament Preparation
This is a time, once a week, I have set aside for readings and conversations related directly to sacrament preparation. We'll be reading through a few books and, for those that might like to try something similar, I've included our complete schedule. I've planned 30-31 weeks, but it might need to be adjusted depending on when the parish schedules the sacraments. Sometimes I read this aloud and sometimes the child reads it independently and narrates to me, just depending on time and how comfortable the child is with the subject matter and with reading. After five years of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd and two years of weekly adoration, Second Son is quite comfortable with the sacraments already!
Jesus with Us: The Gift of the Eucharist by Tarzia and Ferri - This book gives a good overview of the Eucharist through Scripture and history. (I can't remember where I bought this book, probably at a used homeschool sale.)

• p 3-6
• p 8-12
• p 14-18
• p 20-24
• p 26-30

A Little Book about Confession for Children by Kendra Tierney - This book was recommended by Simcha Fischer. I used this book for the first time with Second Daughter. It seems clear and child-like (but not childish). (I bought this book from Sacred Heart Books and Gifts.)

• questions 1-4
• questions 5-8
• questions 9-12
• questions 13-16
• questions 17-22
• questions 23-24 (only 2 of the saints)
• question 24, remaining 3 saints
• First through Fourth Commandments
• Fifth through Seventh Commandments
• Eighth through Tenth Commandments

Seven Lonely Places, Seven Warm Places: The Vices and Virtues for Children by April Bolton - This book is a short picture book that attempts to place the seven deadly vices, four cardinal virtues, and three theological virtues into a child's ordinary life, showing how the vices separate us from other people (and God) and how the virtues can connect us to others (and God). It's not an essential book, but it's a quick read and a nice addition to preparation for Reconciliation. (I received my copy of this book from another member at PaperBackSwap.com.)

• Read and narrate.

The Good Shepherd and His Little Lambs: A First Communion Story-Primer by Mrs. Hermann Bosch with supplements by Janet P. McKenzie - I used this book with both First Daughter and Second Daughter. Through the course of this book, a gentle and loving aunt guides just a few children in their preparation for Holy Communion. This text is a little longer than the books above and might need to be read aloud even for a proficient reader. (I bought this book from Sacred Heart Books and Gifts, though I don't see it on their site now in June 2018.)

• "Feed My Lambs!"
• Baptism
• Penance
• Obedience
• The Holy Childhood
• Children of Mary
• Faith
• Hope
• Charity
• The House of God
• The Fair White Page
• Service of God
• Heaven
• The Happy Day

The Brown Scapular Coloring Book by Mary Fabyan Windeatt - I bought this book years ago (from Seton, I think) in a set of Windeatt coloring books and it's one of just a few we've kept and used over and over again. Our parish gives each of the First Communicants a Brown Scapular and this book seems to prepare the children well to understand what it is, respect it, and wear it. It can be more difficult to find now, though a Google search turned up a few options. I think another book on Simon Stock would be a good substitute. The series, In the Footsteps of the Saints, has one.

Supplements
These are resources we have that complement sacrament preparation. If you're feeling overwhelmed by what's above, skip these.

My Path to Heaven: A Young Person's Guide to the Faith by Geoffrey Bliss, S.J., with pictures by Caryll Houselander - I bought this originally to read with First Son when we did Connecting with History volume 3 many years ago. It fits nicely with preparation for First Reconciliation and First Communion. I've read it along with some children and asked others to read it independently, depending on their ability to focus and mediate. If you follow Mater Amabilis™, this book is assigned for Lenten reading in Level 2 Year 1 (fourth grade). You could choose to wait until then, but I think it's the kind of book that benefits from repetition, so I plan to use it both years. (purchased new, affiliate link to RC History)

First Communion Days by a Sister of Notre Dame - This is a nice little hardcover book that was gifted to me when a local homeschooling family retired from homeschooling. It's one from Neumann Press that has not been republished by TAN books. (At least, I couldn't find it on the TAN site.) There are a number of the type of stories where young children receive the Eucharist and go to heaven happily when they die a little later of an illness, so I choose not to read it aloud. First Daughter loved the stories in it. Second Daughter read some of them but didn't want to finish it. We'll see what Second Son thinks.


I'd just like to mention a book I think is a great First Communion gift. It's Pray Always: A Catholic Child's First Prayer Book. Second Daughter received a copy of this book from a priest last year, I think just because we were in the right place at the right time. It's a lovely hardcover prayer book. I wrote a bit more about it here.

Links to Amazon, RC History, and PaperBackSwap.com are all affiliate links. Other links are not affiliate links. I received nothing in exchange for this post and it is only my honest opinion.

The Title Says it All: Transforming your Life through the Eucharist

Transforming your Life through the Eucharist

by John A. Kane

I purchased this book directly from the publisher years ago, probably when it was one of their $5 books. Languishing on my bookshelf, I finally noticed it when considering Second Daughter's First Communion year. I like the idea of reading a book on the Eucharist myself during the preparation year, though I think I have only succeeded once in three attempts. Either it was worth the wait to find this particular book, or I missed out on a tremendous opportunity for a growth in faith (probably the latter).

How much, therefore, depends on our preparation! For although we receive Christ fully, He unfolds His life according to the measure of our cooperation. Unlimited are the possibilities of the eucharistic indwelling, but our resultant spiritual development is slow, because the reception of the fullness of grace in Holy Communion demands our full accord with the Savior's eternal yearning to be one with us.

Kane's book was like a revelation, guiding me through a deeper understanding of the Eucharist in adoration, at Mass, and in reception.

Thus restraining His communication, thus concealing His unimaginable beauty, He makes our reception of Him silent, peaceful, gentle, and restful. Advance as we may in holiness, however, we shall never unravel the mystery of this amazing union.

The author contends we will continue to contemplate with wonder the miracle of Christ's real presence in the Eucharist.

Inseparable union with man was the goal of the Incarnation and is the reason for Christ's life in the tabernacle. On the altar, He watches over us with love unquenchable.

It's all too easy to take communion at Mass as a matter of course, distracted by our children, who's missing from Mass, or an itchy sweater. The statements in this book helped me focus, not just by berating myself to pay attention but by pointing my thoughts to particular ideas and showing me how to beg Christ to ready my soul for the great miracle of taking communion.

Although Christ dwells in us with His Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity, in order that His life may develop, may permeate our souls, and may direct our thoughts, words, and actions, the sacramental life must have circumstances favorable for its development, just as the plant needs sun and rain to grow to maturity. Without such circumstances and conditions suited to its growth, that life will never enrich us with its heavenly store; it will abide in us with the mere possibility of its infinite power, and we will be unconscious, not only of its greatness, but of its very existence.

We are not to despair, however, when we do not discern progress in our spiritual life, when we feel the Eucharist is not effecting change within us, or developing our relationship with Christ.

Holiness is most beautiful in the midst of the most uneventful. Few are called to do the extraordinary for God. All are called to be faithful in that which is least...

The minute care by which we restrain our looks, words, and actions; the vigilant supervision that compels us to check the effusions of our nature; the unobtrusive acts of self-suppression--these apparent trifles perfect the soul by completing in it the likeness of God. 

This would be a perfect book to read during time of Adoration with frequent breaks to pray and sit quietly in the presence of the Lord. For those who are recent converts to the Catholic faith, it can elucidate the theology of the Eucharist.

As He transfigures us with His grace, we, too, must elevate and ennoble all who come within the sphere of our influence.

It may also be an excellent book for someone who is not Catholic but wants to better understand what Catholics really believe about the Eucharist and how the theology of transubstantiation supports a rich faith, with the understanding that it is directed to Catholics.

I wish I had read this book years ago and I hope to make time to read it again in future years. I cannot recommend it highly enough to anyone interested in learning more about the Eucharist, how to approach the Eucharist at Mass, and how to purposefully devote the reception of the Eucharist to growth in the life of Christ.

A Beautiful Book of Prayer for Children

Pray Always: A Catholic Child's First Prayer Book compiled by Conor Gallagher, from Saint Benedict Press

This is a beautiful hardcover prayer book, perfect as a First Communion gift for a boy or a girl. It is a little expensive, but it's the kind of book a child could carry for many years as it is well-bound and printed. Second Daughter was blessed to receive this book as a gift.

The book includes any basic prayer a child might want like the Our Father, the Apostle's Creed, the prayer to St. Michael the Archangel (a particular favorite at our house), and instructions on how to pray the Rosary. An examination of conscience precedes the Act of Contrition. A couple of pages encourage children to find times of prayer within their daily activities.

A second on Praying with the Saints talks about why we ask saints to pray for us. It's followed by thirteen saints with illustrations, short descriptions, and a prayer for each one.

The book ends with the Litany of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and the Divine Praises.


The italic print: Links to Amazon are affiliate links. As an affiliate with Amazon, I receive a small commission if you follow one of my links, add something to your cart, and complete the purchase (in that order). Every little bit helps - thanks!

This book may be less expensive from the publisher or from Sacred Heart Books and Gifts. Neither of these are affiliate links, but they are both places I have shopped and been pleased with the prices and the service.