Celebrating a child's First Communion is a milestone in a family's faith journey. To ensure proper formation, so that not only the child but the family as well, is diposed for this sacramental encounter, the Archdiocese of Atlanta and the parish of St. Lawrence offer a two year preparation program that begins in 1st grade and culminates in the 2nd grade celebration of First Reconciliation (Confession, Penance) in the Fall and First Communion in the Spring.
Sacramental preparation is a partnership between parents and the parish. Parents who are presenting their child for sacraments are expected to be registered members of the parish. The structured PSR program is meant to enhance and support parents in their role as their child's primary religious educator. Parents should be praying together as a family at home and worshipping weekly with their parish community at the Sunday liturgy. All faith formation has at its heart conversion to Christ. Therefore parents are strongly encouraged to read Bible stories about the life of Christ and share about the Sunday Gospel with their child to help him or her come to know and love the Lord.
Parents with a child entering the 1st grade in August:
If you have a child who was baptized Catholic and will be entering first grade in August you need to register your child now for first grade PSR (Parish School of religion) so that your child completes the two year religious education preparation requirement of the Archdiocese.
Participation in the scheduled PSR class sessions is preferred. However if you cannot make the Sunday morning, evening or Wed. night sessions, then you need to consider doing home study for first grade.
For more registration information, contact Vickie in the Religious Education Office at 770-962-2765 ext 220 or e-mail her at religioused@saintlaw.org
Parents with a child entering the 2nd grade in August:
If your child was enrolled in first grade PSR at St. Lawrence all you need do is re-register for second grade PSR. You will need to bring a copy of your child's baptismal certificate if he or she was not baptized here at St. Lawrence.
If your child was enrolled is a first grade religious education program elsewhere, you will need to bring proof of attendance for first grade when you register for 2nd grade PSR at St. Lawrence. You will need to bring a copy of your child's baptismal certificate if he or she was not baptized here at St. Lawrence.
If your child has not participated in any formal religious education in the first grade, then your family needs to register for the Christian Initiation (RCIA) process. Contact Diane or Rita at 770-962-2765 or e-mail at dmaguire@saintlaw.org for more information.
Parents with a child in the third grade or above in August:
If you have a child who did not celebrate First Communion when he or she was in the second grade, they are prepared for sacraments through the Christian Initiation process (RCIA) contact Rita or Diane at 770-962-2765 or e-mail at dmaguire@saintlaw.org for more information.
