First Reconciliation

Through the Sacrament of Reconciliation we experience the healing mercy of God.

Children typically prepare to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation in the second grade. To help you in preparing your child to receive the healing grace of Jesus for the first time, we offer various preparation options:

1. Kingdom Kids weekly faith formation sessions

   Our traditional faith formation setting is offered Monday evening at Pax Christi from either 4:45-5:45 pm or 6:30-7:30 pm. Children are in age-specific groups with two catechists (teachers) The curriculum is based on the We Believe  series from Sadlier Publishers. It is especially important for public school families to attend these sessions.

2. Catechesis of the Good Shepherd

   A Montessori based faith formation is offered Wednesday evening from 6-7:30 pm Pax Christi. Children ages six-nine are in an atrium, a room specifically designed for them with two catechists (teachers) The curriculum is based on the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd.

3. Catholic Schools

   The Second Grade curriculum in the Rochester Catholic Schools includes preparation for the sacraments.

All children attend a parent information meeting in the fall, a parent/child retreat in October, and the Communal Reconciliation service in December.

For 2011-2012, the dates are:

Parent meeting - Sunday, Sept. 18 - (4:30 pm meal, 5:30 pm presentation by Tim Smith, nationally known Catholic artist, 6:30 pm meeting )

Parent/Child retreat - Saturday, October 29, 2011 - 9 am-12:30 pm

Communal Reconciliation Service - Wednesday Dec. 14 @ 6:30 pm

To participate in any of these programs, please complete our Printable Registration Form.

To give of your time and talent to help us share the faith, please complete our printable Stewardship of Time and Talent Form.

For those older than second grade, contact Joyce Lehman for more information.

After receiving Reconciliation, families typically begin preparation for First Eucharist from January-April. See the Eucharist page for more information.

How do I know my child is ready?

• They know the difference between right and wrong
• They know the difference between a sin or accident or a mistake.
• They are capable of saying, "I am sorry" on their own.
• They are capable of reflecting on their actions when asked about them.
• They understand that God will always forgive them.
• They show a sincere desire to right wrongs.

I remember it being called confession. What is it now called reconciliation?

According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, (paragraphs 1423-1424) the Sacrament has five names:

1. The Sacrament of Conversion because it makes sacramentally present Jesus' call to conversion, the first step in returning to the Father from whom one has strayed by sin.
2. The Sacrament of Penance, since it consecrates the Christian sinner's personal and ecclesial steps of conversion, penance, and satisfaction.
3. The Sacrament of Confession, since the disclosure or confession of sins to a priest is an essential element of this sacrament. In a profound sense it is also a "confession" - acknowledgment and praise - of the holiness of God and of his mercy toward sinful man.
4. The Sacrament of Forgiveness, since by the priest's sacramental absolution God grants the penitent "pardon and peace."
5. The Sacrament of Reconciliation, because it imparts to the sinner the love of God who reconciles.

How do I celebrate the Sacrament?

The Sacrament has four main parts:

1. Examination of Conscience
2. Confession of Sins
3. Giving of Penance
4. Absolution

This printable or view only booklet may help your child.

Questions?

Joyce Lehman

Elementary Youth Minister

First Reconciliation and First Eucharist Coordinator
elementary@paxchristichurch.org

507) 226-0395