1 Corinthians 11: 23-26
For I received from the Lord what I also handed on to you, that the Lord Jesus, on the night he was handed over, took bread, and, after he had given thanks, broke it and said, "This is my body that is for you. Do this in remembrance of me." In the same way also the cup, after supper, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me." For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the death of the Lord until he comes again.
Why Confess?
Everyone makes mistakes. “Sometimes we don’t choose the best thing to do, and that happens to everyone.”
Confession is not about being in trouble. “It’s about telling God we’re sorry and letting Him forgive us, because He loves us.”
It helps us feel peaceful and happy inside. “After Confession, our hearts feel lighter and ready to receive Jesus in Communion.
Why receive
Communion?
When we receive Communion, we are receiving Jesus in a very special way. He comes to our hearts to be close to us, to love us, and to help us grow.
First Communion Pew Reservations
Families may reserve seating for the First Communion Mass using a banner.
Banner Size
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8.5" wide x 11" high
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Standard letter-size paper
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Must clearly show your child's name
Reservation Rules
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One pew per family
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This applies even if a family has more than one child receiving First Holy Communion
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Reserved pews are for the immediate family
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Seating will be available for additional guests
Day of Mass
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Bring your banner with you
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Place it on the pew you wish to reserve before Mass begins
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You may ONLY use the following to place your banner onto the pew
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Masking tape
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ribbon, string
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Thank you for helping us make this celebration
welcoming and prayerful for all families.
BANNER IDEAS
SPONSOR
A First Communion sponsor is an adult (often a godparent, or close family member) who supports and guides a child spiritually as they prepare to receive First Holy Communion.
What does a First Communion sponsor do?
A sponsor may:
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Help the child learn about Jesus, the Mass, and the Eucharist
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Pray with and for the child
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Encourage the child to live their faith (kindness, prayer, attending Mass)
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Be present at the First Communion celebration as a sign of support
Sometimes the sponsor is simply someone the child looks up to in their faith journey.
You have been invited to sponsor a candidate for Sacrament of Eucharist. This is an invitation of great honor and responsibility.
Yet, “sponsor” is not an honorary title – it is a calling.
Your candidate has identified you as a living witness of faith in Jesus Christ and his Church. With this honor comes the responsibility to guide and support your candidate as he or she prepares for the Sacrament of Eucharist and as they move beyond in their faith journey.
To make sure you are prepared as a sponsor, click on the "Sponsor Retreat" button. When you have finished this online retreat, write a summary per video explaining the following:
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How did this retreat help you understand what is the true meaning of the being a sponsor.
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Did this retreat help you become a better sponsor for your candidate.
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What will you take from this retreat to help you grow in your own faith.
1. Go to this website: Formed.org
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You can also download FORMED as an application.
2. Sign up as a parishioner of: Our Lady of Fatima, 505 W. Grander Avenue Modesto, CA
3. Register using your personal information and follow those instructions.
4. Once you have registered on FORMED, Click on the button below titled "Sponsor Retreat" to begin watching the series: Presence
5. Watch the following videos:
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God Is with Us
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The Story of the Eucharist
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Bread for the Journey
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Biblical Foundations with Dr. Tim Gray
Explanation summaries are due by: March 31, 2026
If summary is not entered by then, your name will not be entered as a sponsor.
Enter all summaries at the same time; do not send summaries individually. ***They will get lost.
You may email me your explanation to eochoa@olfmodesto.org or drop off the explanation at our office.
Office hours are Monday – Friday 8:30am – 12:00pm/ 1:00pm – 5:30pm.
If you have any questions or concerns you may call me at 209-491-3462
Retreat Instructions:
El formulario de patrocinio y el resumen del retiro deben entregarse antes del:
31 de marzo de 2026