FIRST RECONCILIATION (CONFESSION) AND EUCHARIST

Sacramental preparation is a very important part of our Religious Education Program.  In accordance with Archdiocesan guidelines, students are prepared for First Penance and First Eucharist during the Second Grade.  ONLY those students who successfully complete the First Grade course of study are prepared to receive these Sacraments.  Special meetings, Retreats and masses for the candidates and their parents will take place during the year.

FIRST RECONCILIATION OR PENANCE (CONFESSION)   

Reconciliation (Confession) is the Sacrament in which the Lord continues His work of healing people by forgiving their sins and giving them His help so they may become more like Him.  This is a very loving Sacrament.   First Reconciliation takes place in January or February of the 2nd Grade.

ROLE OF THE PARENTS IN THE PREPARATION OF FIRST PENANCE

The example a parent sets is a very important one for your child.  Together we are working to help your child form a good conscience and a Christian code of morality. With the help of the catechists, we ask you to:

• Be responsible for initiating your children into the sacramental life
• Receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation regularly with your family
• Attend all meetings and activities planned to help your child prepare for the Sacrament
• Read Bible stories and pray together. 
• Take time with your child to talk about reconciliation in a positive manner so he/she won’t be  afraid
• Take your child on a tour of the church and show him/her the confessional and let  them go inside

Note , Often children take on the feelings and attitudes of their parents.  Please help your child  understand that going to Confession isn’t a bad or scary thing to do.   Help them understand how wonderful it is to be able to tell their sins to God through a priest and be forgiven right there for anything that he/she did wrong.