Received: Your Journey to First Communion

Cassidy Van Slyke Blenke discusses a new Ascension Press series designed for children preparing for first Communion.

Received: Your Journey to First Communion by Ascension is a twelve-lesson program that includes a student workbook, leader’s guide, online parent certification, Mass take-along book, and more. Also included is the online course featuring twelve video lessons, interactive quizzes, and a completion certificate. The interactive materials offer flexibility and can be used for children preparing for their first Communion to accompany their current parish program or completed at home.

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As an adult convert, I immediately found these eye-catching materials and videos easy to understand, enticing, and educational for my continued Catholic education and budding faith. I imagine my oldest daughter, who is now five, watching the videos that share the story of Jesus and the Gospel in a beautiful and heartwarming way. Reviewing these materials, activities, and stories, I am filled with joy in anticipation of the day she begins her journey to her first Communion.

Receiving Jesus, My Guide to the Mass, shares all your child needs to know about going to and participating during Mass in an easy-to-follow manner, featuring a consistent layout and guide, custom graphics, and encouraging text. The progression of the guidebook follows along the succession of Mass, and shares vital insights, and highlights the wonderful importance of embracing your child’s faith, how to engage during Mass; and at the conclusion of the book, has glossaries that feature key Catholic Prayers, Knowing your Catholic Faith, and Who’s Who in the Liturgy. My Guide to Mass ensures that you and your child will “experience Mass in a whole new way” so that you can both expand your family’s experience by coming into contact with Jesus himself.

The Leader’s guide accompanies the main Received book, Your Journey to First Communion, which contains lessons plans in the form of five steps, including the classroom welcome, leader-led activity, scripture story, main teaching content, and video and discussion. The preface of each lesson has an overview, objectives, explanations, and additional resources to assist with preparation.

The online materials for the Received series reflect those of the tangible workbook, so parents and teachers have a hybrid option and can display the videos and activities digitally. Available courses are the online courses, specialized leader access, and parent certification. Most importantly, the parent certification lays the foundation for the successful completion of the materials and highlights the vital role we parents and mothers play in shaping God’s message and homes for our children’s faith journeys.

Overall, I highly recommend Ascension’s program and materials for parents and children on their way to First Communions. The engaging and heartfelt material makes it simple for those seeking to build and grow their faith horizons.