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Thank you. You Did it!
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We know this past year you've had to take on a bit more than you expected. We are so grateful you took the time to get this far in the online program with your child. It is not easy to find an hour here and there and get your child to pay attention... but we really pray you found grace and joy in this opportunity.
Honestly, thank you. Thank you for your commitment to your child and to your child's faith. It's tough times, but you did it!
On this page we just a have few things to wrap up, including a video just for you, a reflection, and a one more chance to put your love for your child down on paper. You are almost there! :-)
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LET US KNOW YOU'VE FINISHED the child portion
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Hey! Great job! Air high-five! This is the end of the preparation program for your child.
There are three more steps that are for just for parents:- this parent information page
- information about the Retreat on Saturday March 6th 2021
- a page with information to come back to on the day of your child's First Communion with additional instructions
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parent PART 1: why are we catholic?
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Please watch this video with your partner. It is just for adults, so you kid is off the hook for this one. If you leave with one thing from this video, remember:
We become one Body with God in the Eucharist. We receive who we are meant to be.
Masses are available either in-person (if we are not in lockdown) and online. If you have questions, connect with the parish by phone, Facebook, or Instagram
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PARENT PART 2: WHO HAS GOD ENTRUSTED TO YOU?
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In our Reconciliation program, we suggested writing a letter to your child about your hopes and dreams for them. If you haven’t written that letter, there is still time. (See below for the instructions). If you did write the letter, make sure it’s in safe spot where you can locate it on their First Communion day.
We also mentioned having your child’s Godparents be a part of the preparation, or share with your child their first communion memories. However you involve the godparents, there will be something positive that comes from it. When we share our faith and memories with someone, it lasts a lifetime.
Lastly, we would like for you to watch this short video and then ask yourself a question:
Who are the people God has already placed in my life?
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Who are the people God has already placed in my life?
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You should have already completed the below Parent Letter as part of the First Reconciliation Preparation you did previously. If you've already completed this, you can skip this step. If you didn't complete it in the First Reconciliation Preparation... no worries. It's repeated here for you.
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parent Part 3: get it on paper
skip if completed-
A Letter: From Us to youDear Parents,
Well here you are, you and your child have completed Good Shepherd's Online Reconciliation Program. Congratulations! We realize it is a commitment to take the time to sit down with your child watch the videos, do the crafts, discuss the questions we have, and then answer the bigger questions that your child asks of you.
Life is full of questions. When you were married, you were asked questions, and your response was, "I do." When you had your child baptized, you were asked a series of questions, and you answered, "I do." Each time you answered "I do", you made a commitment.
There was a strong reason why we focused on the day of your child’s baptism in our preparation program. That was your child's beginning of a relationship with God; a relationship that will last a lifetime. A dream that God has for each one of us, a relationship with him.
As a last step, we are asking you to share with your child the dream you have for them. Write a letter to your child and give it to them on the day they celebrate their First Holy Communion in the spring of 2021. We have some suggestions for what to write.
We pray for you and your family each and every day. God bless you,
Priests, Staff, and Parishioners of Good Shepherd Parish
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A Letter: From you to your child
We are asking you to share with your child the dream you have for them. Write a letter to your child and give it to them on the day they celebrate their First Holy Communion in the spring of 2021.
This is a great opportunity for your child to receive something in writing from you that they can read and reflect on during their journey this school year.
Here are some suggestions for what to write. You don't have to write about all of them, just some things to consider if you are stuck.- What do you want your child to remember about his or her family?
- What do you want your child to remember about the time you shared preparing for the Sacrament of Reconciliation?
- What was your favourite memory of this time shared together?
- Let them know how much God means to you and what you hope for in the future.
Bonus: Get the godparents involved.- Think of your godparents. Have they had an active role in your faith formation?
- Consider: How important is it to you that your child's godparent are active in his or her life? If they are involved in your child’s life ask them to write a letter as well.
- Consider: If they aren't as involved as you would like, perhaps have a video chat or a phone call with your child and them so your child can share their experience of this program and what God means to them. Maybe this will prompt them to take the next step and become more involved.
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The next page is information about the retreaton sat march 6th
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