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Candidates for First Penance and First Eucharist must have participated in regular religious education or attend Catholic School for the year preceding enrollment for preparation for First Eucharist. (In other words, these children were part of a formal first-grade faith formation experience.) Likewise, candidates for First Penance and First Eucharist must be currently enrolled in regular religious education or attend Catholic School. Older children who have not as yet received either Sacrament are most welcome to register.
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First ReconciliationPreparation for First Reconciliation begins in January, and students will celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation in March. If you did not register your child when signing up for Family Faith Formation this year, you will have the chance to do so in January.
Welcome to this important time in your family’s life with Jesus Christ and His Church. This preparation time for First Reconciliation marks another important step in your child’s formation in the Catholic faith. This preparation is not just for his/her “first” Reconciliation; it is preparation for a lifetime that only begins with First Reconciliation. It is our hope that your child will experience the forgiveness and healing of our loving God through this sacrament many times!Preparation for First Reconciliation is meant to
- Nurture a child’s relationship to Jesus Christ as the one who loves us and showers God’s mercy upon us
- Nurture an appreciation of the sacrament of reconciliation as a way to experience God’s mercy and forgiveness
- Nurture the practice of forgiveness and reconciliation as a way of living
Parents, as the primary educators of your children in their faith, you are the most important adults and the most important Christians in your children’s lives. Children will learn much by your example!
In preparation for First Eucharist,
- Try to attend Mass weekly either in person or via livestream
- Help your child to participate in the Mass by learning responses and prayers
- Learn the story of the Last Supper and explain how this event is the institution of the Eucharist
- Discuss the real presence of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist - The Eucharist, under the appearance of bread and wine, is the Real Presence of Jesus Christ; by the power of the Holy Spirit, it becomes the Body and Blood of Christ during the Consecration (by Transubstantiation)
How will I know if my child is ready to receive First Reconciliation?
These are the signs that indicate a child is ready to receive First Reconciliation:- A desire to receive the Sacrament
- Ability to distinguish between “mistakes” (non-intentional) and “on purpose” (intentional) actions.
- Ability to distinguish between right and wrong, and the effect of actions and omissions upon others.
- Ability to feel and express “I’m sorry”.
- Ability to make amends and change behavior.
- Knowing God as loving and forgiving through Jesus Christ
- Basic familiarity of stories of forgiveness from Scripture and the prayers and gestures of the Rite of Penance
