First Reconciliation Preparation

The First Reconciliation program is an opportunity for our children to experience the forgiveness of God through this sacrament by understanding the concepts of right and wrong, and how sin and forgiveness are understood in light of God's love and mercy. First Reconciliation is an opportunity to intensify and continue the moral education already taking place in the home.

Through traditional in-class groups, the children are prepared to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation as they are helped to reflect on sin, forgiveness, mercy and by learning how to approach and participate in the sacrament. Our program endeavors to teach our children that Reconciliation is a call to strengthen our friendship with people and with God. We stresss the basic belief that God is all loving and all forgiving. Through parental example of forgiveness in daily situations at home, children will learn of God's never-ending forgiveness and regularly see the Sacrament of Reconciliation as a means for inward peace.

The recommended age for First Penance is Second grade (up to age 8) until sacrament is received.  After age 8, please see the Director of Religious Education. 
The following are some criteria to help you determine whether your child should prepare for First Reconciliation:

• Is your child beginning to experience acceptable and regretful decision-making?
• Does your child express sorrow when they've hurt someone?
• Does your child understand the consequences of a poor decision?

Requirements: 

• Attendance at all Sunday Mass and Holy Days of Obligation.
• Attendance at all classes. Unexplained absences may determine reception of sacrament.​​​​​​​
• Parental attendance at all mandatory Penance meetings. Parent and teacher co-operation is necessary.​​​​​​​
• Must learn class material and format for Penance which includes: Act of Contrition and basic prayers.​​​​​​​
• Practice for First Penance mandatory.​​​​​​​
• A parent Penance Service is planned for a parent to attend with their child to set an example of how to go to confession.​​​​​​​
• Dress respectfully to the occasion.