First Eucharist and Beyond is a resource for Catholic parishes. This Leader Guide contains everything a catechist needs to lead one parent's session and four children's sessions to prepare for celebrating the sacrament of the Eucharist. The emphasis is not just on "first communion" but on the ongoing experience of growing in communion with Christ in everyday life. The sessions focus on the presence of Christ in the assembly, the proclaimed word, the bread and wine, and in our world. This book includes age appropriate activities and discussions for both younger children (ages 7-8) and older children (ages 9-11). Use with the Family Activity Book and Child's Book to complement and reinforce the material in the four parish sessions. The leader guide includes: Plans for both parents and children's sessions, including catechist background, goals, overviews and materials list; Prayers, rituals and scripture stories; Age-appropriate activities; Explanation of what we do and say at Mass; and Ways to encourage parents to use the home
