First Reconciliation classes will begin in January and First Communion classes will begin in spring.
First Reconciliation (Confession or Penance):
“Peace be with you!” With these words, the Risen Lord greeted his frightened Apostles in the Upper Room on the day of his Resurrection. They were troubled, anxious, and fearful—much like each one of us at some point in our lives. Christ repeated the words, “Peace be with you.” But then he added, “Receive the holy Spirit. Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them” (Jn 20:19-23)
In the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation, also called confession, we meet the Lord, who wants to grant forgiveness and the grace to live a renewed life in him. Through this forgiveness we are freed from sin! The Church sees confession as so important that she requires that every Catholic go at least once a year.1 The Church also encourages frequent confession in order to grow closer to Christ Jesus and his Body, the Church. By the grace of the Holy Spirit, we seek forgiveness and repentance, let go of patterns of sin, grow in the life of virtue, and witness to a joyful conversion. Since the graces of the sacrament are so similar to the purpose of the New Evangelization, Pope Benedict XVI has said, “The New Evangelization . . . begins in the confessional!”
The celebration of First Reconciliation is usually celebrated in the second grade. It is important that the candidate for First Reconciliation have an adequate foundation of faith understanding, which is normally obtained by completing the first grade level of religious education. Parents are instrumental in establishing the readiness of the child for the celebration and integration of the Sacrament of Reconciliation in their lives.
Here are some questions to help determine a child’s readiness to celebrate Reconciliation:
- Does my child desire to celebrate the sacrament?
- Does my child have an age-appropriate understanding of right and wrong?
- Does my child have an understanding of God’s love and forgiveness?
- Has my child been formed in faith in an age-appropriate manner?
Preparation
- Attendance at 7 child sessions
- Completion of the workbook
- Regular attendance at the Holy Mass before, during and after preparation for the Sacrament of First Reconciliation.
- A full year of Faith Formation prior to the current year.
Celebration of the sacrament usually occurs on the first Saturday of December at 2pm.
First Eucharist:
The Catholic Church teaches that Holy Eucharist is not a symbol, but the True Presence! It is Jesus Christ, Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity!
Think of it this way: The Word was made Flesh, then the Flesh was made food.
“The Word became flesh and dwelt among us.” John 1:14
“This is My body…” Luke 22:19
“My flesh is true food.” John 6:55
If your child has completed First Reconciliation, then it is time to prepare them for First Communion also know as First Eucharist.
Registration for the Sacrament of Reconciliation and/or First Eucharist can be found by clicking here.
For more information please contact Rita (Nina) Rivera or Danielle Hubbel.