ENCOUNTER Communion Prep

ENCOUNTER provides families and children with sacramental preparation experiences for 1st Communion that aims to prepare children and their families for the momentous encounter with Jesus in the Eucharist.

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Incorporating our 3 Goals, Knowing [being informed through hands-on learning], Growing [being formed through faith experiences], and Living [being transformed through faith in action], ENCOUNTER offers families the opportunities to learn, understand, and participate in the sacrament with open and ready hearts.

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Scroll down to learn more about the components of the ENCOUNTER program.

ENCOUNTER Program Components

Sunday Mass

Goal - Growing Mass is the source and summit of our Catholic Faith. Especially as children prepare for their 1st Communion, participation in Mass is important. St Teresa currently offers 5 Sunday Masses: 7:30 AM 9 AM - Family Mass (also livestreamed) 10:30 AM (also livestreamed) 12 Noon - Spanish Mass (also livestreamed) 5 PM Families can attend any of these Masses in-person or watch virtually to engage in worship.



ENCOUNTER Learning

Goal - Knowing ENCOUNTER learning are monthly sessions for first communicants and their parents to participate in as they learn about our faith in preparation to receive the sacrament. Each month, families attend 1 small group session that will help them to learn, discuss, and participate in activities that help them to see and grow in Christ. Engagement in these sessions will ensure that children receive the catechesis necessary for preparation for their 1st Reconciliation and 1st Communion. Regular attendance is necessary!



Accompany Nights: In-Person

Goal - Living & Growing Accompany Nights constitute in-person prayer experiences that help our children and families connect to God and to one another. These gatherings help our First Communion families have moments to pray and grow together.



First Communion Family Retreat

Goal - Living & Growing The retreat experience is an important part of sacramental preparation for both children and families. This retreat allows families preparing for First Communion a chance to come away from daily activities and spend time with Jesus; as well as a chance to be in community to celebrate this special time in the lives of our children.

Happening a few weeks ahead of the First Communion Masses, this experience will take place on a Saturday morning and involve prayer experiences, learning about the Eucharist, exploring the Church, and preparing for the sacramental celebration.



First Reconciliation

The ENCOUNTER program prepares our children to welcome the opportunity for God's mercy in the sacrament of Reconciliation as well meet Jesus in the Eucharist. Throughout the ENCOUNTER Learning sessions, children and their families will explore sacramental forgiveness and learn about God's unconditional love.

The sacrament of Reconciliation is offered to families during the the Lenten season a few months ahead of the children making First Communion



Important to Note

  • 1st Communion programming is currently set to begin in October 2021.     Due to the uncertain nature of COVID-19, dates/times are subject to change.

  • Per Canon Law and Archdiocesan rules, the celebration of all Sacraments, including Reconciliation and Communion, must be done in-person and cannot be received virtually. 

  •  All candidates for First Communion must be baptized, or scheduled to be baptized before they can receive the sacraments of Reconciliation and First Communion in the Spring.

ENCOUNTER Sessions 2021-2022

Group A Dates
 

October 17, 2021

November 14, 2021
December 5, 2021*
January 23, 2022
February 13, 2022

March 13, 2022


*Meeting  will be virtual

Group B Dates
 

October 24, 2021

November 21, 2021
December 12, 2021*
January 30, 2022
February 27, 2022

March 20, 2022

​*Meeting  will be virtual

Register Here
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