Do This in Memory is a parish based programme of preparation for First Communion centred in the parish celebration of the Sunday Eucharist and in the home. The programme resources are designed to facilitate parents, families and the parishes’ active involvement in the preparation for the sacrament.
It complements and supports the work of sacramental preparation in the parish school or the religious education programme in the parish. The programme takes place once a month for several months before First Eucharist and concludes with the parish celebration and procession on the Feast of Corpus Christi.
All the Children
who are preparing for Holy Communion in our Parish take part in the Do This in Memory Programme.
Dear parents, teachers and children,
It is that time of year when the parish begins its preparation for the sacraments of First Confession and First Eucharist. Much of the work of preparation is done in school but the parish and the home have an important role to play in helping our children understand what it means to share in Jesus, the Bread of Life for the first time.
We use the parish programme of preparation, ‘Do This in Memory’, 
to help our children and their families as they prepare for these sacraments. This programme aims to help those in the parish become more actively involved in the sacramental preparation for
FIRST HOLY COMMUNION and The Sacrament of Reconciliation.
Due to COVID the meeting for all parents with their children who are preparing for these Sacrament’s this year is deferred for a later date.
The time of preparation for sacraments is an opportunity for us all to be renewed and nourished in our own faith journey.
DATES OF THE SUNDAYS OF – DO THIS IN MEMORY
Enrolment Sunday for the ‘Do This in Memory’ First Holy Communion programme. At the Mass, parents and children will be presented to the community, invited to promise to participate in the programme and asked to renew their Baptismal Promises with the parish community.
This journey is not just for the children and their parents. As a community, we are called to affirm and support each other in our faith. We make this journey of faith together in the shelter of one another – we cannot do it alone. The parents and children who join us on Enrolment Sunday need our encouragement and prayers. At the Last Supper, Jesus asked us to ‘do this in memory of me’. Each group of children who prepare for First Holy Communion help us all to remain faithful to that promise.
The Do This in Memory programme aims to involve parents, parish leaders and the wider parish community in preparing children for First Eucharist. The sacramental preparation of children is the responsibility of the home, school and parish working together in partnership. Together with Baptism and Confirmation, the celebration of First Eucharist opens the door to full membership of the Christian community.
Loving.God,
We call to mind the children who will prepare for First Eucharist during the coming year and all who care for them. We ask your blessing on all of them and on all of us gathered here. May we always walk as children of the light and be prepared to share that light with those whom we meet.
DO THIS IN MEMORY FAMILY MASS DATES
Please negotiate among yourselves the shared responsibility of participating with each other together at mass.
- one person can read the first reading, marked I
- one person can read the Psalm., marked 2
- one person can read second reading followed by the gospel acclamation, Marked 3
- young person’s to read prayers of the faithful, marked 4
- two people can bring up the bread and wine which will become the Body and Blood of Christ.
It is recommended that young person’s read the prayers of the faithful . Please bring your readings with you to the mass and please check with the sacristan or priest before mass to notify them of your attendance for each mass.
There is no need for children to bring candles with them to mass but should please come forward with their parents /guardians at Holy Communion and with arms folded to receive a blessing.
Enclosed, Sunday bulletin readings
I First reading
2 Responsorial Psalm
3 Second reading followed by Gospel acclamation.
4 Prayers of the faithful
5 Offertory Procession with the bread and wine.
First Holy Communion Dates
Ceathru Thaidgh
Glenamoy
Inver
Pullathomas