More Praise for Meet the Gentle Jesus First Communion Program

Director of Religious Education and author of children’s books about Saints, Barb Yoffie offers a thorough review of Ligouri Publications' new First Communion program with components for the participant, catechist and family. 

Parish leaders and religious educators know the Eucharist is central to their lives as Catholics.  As evangelizers of the faith they want children and families to fully experience the Eucharist as the heart of the Church, so they too, may grow to love the Eucharist and seek an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ.  How can we achieve this lofty goal and where do we start?

Meet the Gentle Jesus is an impressive First Communion Program that supports parishes, families, and catechists as they seek to prepare children for First Communion. The program consists of several resources:  a Family Guide, Catechist Guide, and a Children’s book. A First Communion DVD and a Children’s Mass booklet are also available to supplement the core resources.  

The Family Guide is designed for today’s busy family. Parent lessons are condensed in a four page format that includes; insightful information about the child’s lesson, prayer, a connection to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, thought-provoking questions to use for discussion in the home and additional suggestions throughout each lesson to increase at-home involvement. Each of the 8 Parent lessons partner perfectly with the child’s book.

Both new and experienced catechists will benefit from the comprehensive Catechist’s Guide.  Catechism references, Lesson Objectives, and background preparations are introduced on the first page of each lesson. Additional directions and practical hints are featured in a wrap-around design for each page of the child’s book.  

The Lessons provide a step by step walk through the Mass which is easy to follow and grounded in Scripture to help the child make a meaningful connection to each part of the Mass. The Scripture readings are adapted from the Bible, making it easier for the child to comprehend. Each lesson closes with two unique features, Your Faith at Home and Community Time, that send the message and lesson objective into the home for further discussion including “hands-on” suggestions.

The Children’s book is a joyful invitation to meet the Gentle Jesus through prayer, scripture, and guided lessons. Each lesson leads to a deeper understanding of the Mass, from the Introductory Rite to the Concluding Rite. You Time questions provide thought provoking opportunities for reflection as well as content review.  Additionally, the purposeful take-home activity pages at the end of each lesson provide an enjoyable opportunity for family involvement.

Two supplementary resources are also available.  Catechists may choose to use Liguori’s DVD, A Child’s First Communion and So Much More! The entertaining video segments include small group interactions between children and a priest. There is also a parent component for use at a parent meeting.  Meet the Gentle Jesus: The Mass for Children is a child’s mass booklet.  A child can follow each part of the Mass and respond with gestures and prayers.  You Time, which was featured in the Children’s book, is carried into the mass booklet to help children reflect and grow in their understanding and love for the Eucharist.

Meet the Gentle Jesus First Communion Program strengthens families in their relationship with Jesus Christ and supports parents as the first catechists of their own children.  The Program encourages the parish catechist to enthusiastically share his or her faith and love of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist. Start here and start now. Your collaboration and dedication will bring children, families, and parishioners to the Eucharistic table and help build a vibrant worshipping community.