About Retreats

The blessing cup retreat is the result of a Salesian sister's desire to provide her parish families with a retreat for First Holy Communion. It was her desire that this retreat be centered on the themes of a loving God who helps teach us and guide us in our daily lives and who, even when we disobey him, will forgive us through the sacrament of reconciliation. In addition, God empowers us to love one another as Jesus loves us.

Through song, prayer and watching pottery being made, the children and their parents learn about reconciliation in a full-bodied way.

Through song, prayer and watching pottery being made, the children and their parents learn about reconciliation in a full-bodied way. One Child makes a pot and listens to the potter's voice, demonstrating how we should all listen to the voice of the divine potter, God.

Furthermore, the children are empowered by the sign of the cross, a reminder of their baptism, and they in turn empower their parents and whole family with the sign of the cross. As a permanent reminder of the day of the retreat and the day to come of First Holy Communion, the children each decorate a chalice that becomes their blessing cup.

Used as a family symbol, the blessing cup can become a sign of solidarity, oneness in prayer and blessing. The blessing cup service, centered around a common cup and based on the use of Scripture and petition, can help each family member express his or her deepest feelings.