First Reconciliation
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“In him we live and move and have our being”
(Acts 17:28)
In the Gospel of John 20:19-23, Jesus entrusted the ministry of reconciliation to the Church. The Sacrament of Penance (Reconciliation) is God’s gift to us so that any sin committed after Baptism can be forgiven. Reconciliation (aka confession) allows us to repent and recover the grace of friendship with God. It is a holy moment in which we place ourselves in his presence and honestly acknowledge our sins. With absolution, we are reconciled to God and the Church. The Sacrament helps us stay close to the truth that we cannot live without God: “In him we live and move and have our being” (Acts 17:28).
Preparing your child to celebrate the Sacrament of First Reconciliation
As the primary educators of their children, parents are responsible for preparing their children for the sacraments with the support of the clergy and the Director of Faith Formation. Parents must attend one of two parent meetings to receive the materials, schedule of events, and information necessary to help with their children’s preparation.
All children preparing for sacraments at Most Precious Blood Parish, whether they are registered at Most Precious Blood School or in our Family of Faith program, must attend two Saturday morning catechetical sessions and the Day of Reflection that concludes with the children making their first confession. One parent must attend the sessions with their child although both are most welcome and encouraged to participate.
The materials we will be using are published by the Augustine Institute and titled, Signs of Grace – You Are Forgiven. After the children have completed the work in their activity books, parents will schedule an interview for their child with one of the priests, deacons, seminarians, or the Director of Faith Formation to help them feel more comfortable prior to receiving the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Parents are welcome and encouraged to sit in on the interviews.
Preparing your child to celebrate the Sacrament of First Reconciliation
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August – Families register for First Reconciliation Sacramental Preparation program for children who are baptized Catholic.
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August - Children who are not enrolled in a Catholic school are required to register for Family of Faith. (See Families of Faith)
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August – Parents attend a meeting to receive materials for their children.
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October and November - Parents and children attend one mandatory Saturday morning catechesis session each month.
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January – Parents schedule an interview for their children.
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January – Children prepare for and celebrate their First Reconciliation at the conclusion of the Day of Reflection.
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May – Parents attend a meeting where they are given information regarding Confirmation and First Eucharist preparation in the fall.
Learn More
The Sacrament of Reconciliation is one of the most unique and beautiful aspects of Catholicism. Jesus Christ, in His abundant love and mercy, established the Sacrament of Confession, so that we as sinners can obtain forgiveness for our sins and reconcile with God and the Church. The sacrament “washes us clean,” and renews us in Christ.
Questions? Send me a message!
Mary Pott, Director of Religious Education