Preparation for children to participate in First Reconciliation is done in conjunction with preparation to receive their First Eucharist and is a two-year program through the school or Religious Education program.
It is our honor to partner with you to prepare your children for their First Reconciliation. We are using the curriculum from Dynamic Catholic called Blessed.
You, your child, and your child’s teacher will work together on the workbook and videos assigned. You will be asked to watch most of the videos with your child at home. The link to stream all of the videos is dynamiccatholic.com/blessed/program-view/.
Your child received a Mass journal this year. The teachers may assign classwork in the journal and it can also be taken to Mass to reflect on what your child learns and experiences during the Liturgy.
Sacramental Readiness
A child who is ready to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation:
Shows knowledge of Jesus and the Gospel message of forgiveness;
Recognizes when he or she has done wrong;
Shows sorrow for sin, a desire for forgiveness, and willingness to do better in the future. (Nat’l Directory for Catechesis 36.B.2, p. 135)
The teachers and the RE Office will determine your child’s readiness to receive the Sacrament. Any concerns will be discussed with you privately. If an alternate date is needed, the RE Office will help to schedule that.
On the Day of Reconciliation
Please arrive in the Narthex no later than 6:15pm. Please only use the SOUTH DOORS. You and your child should dress modestly and in “Sunday Best” attire.
When you arrive, you will be directed to a seat. After a short Prayer Service, the children will be directed to a Priest for Confession. After your child has finished, they should kneel for their penance, then you can exit the church together.
Please note: All of this is subject to change and we will update you via e-mail if any changes occur.
Important Prayers Your Child Should Know
Act of Contrition
O my God, I am heartily sorry
for having offended Thee,
and I detest all my sins
because of Thy just punishments,
but most of all because they offend Thee, my God, who
art all good and deserving of all my love.
I firmly resolve
with the help of Thy grace to sin no more
and to avoid the near occasion of sin.
Amen.
Our Father
Our Father, Who art in Heaven,
Hallowed be Thy Name.
Thy Kingdom come.
Thy Will be done,
on earth as it is in Heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
Amen.
The Hail Mary
Hail, Mary, full of grace,
the Lord is with thee.
Blessed art thou amongst women
and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary, Mother of God,
pray for us sinners,
now and at the hour of our death.
Amen.
The Glory Be
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son,
and to the Holy Spirit.
As it was in the beginning, is now,
and ever shall be, world without end.
Amen.
Prayer to St. Michael the Archangel
St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle.
Be our defense against the wickedness
and snares of the Devil.
May God rebuke him, we humbly pray, and do thou,
O Prince of the heavenly hosts, by the power of God,
thrust into hell Satan, and all the evil spirits, who
prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls.
Amen.
Guardian Angel Prayer
Angel of God, my guardian dear, to whom God's love
commits me here, ever this day, be at my side, to light
and guard, rule and guide.
Amen.
Prayer Before Meals
Bless us, O Lord, and these, Thy gifts, which
we are about to receive from Thy bounty.
Through Christ, our Lord.
Amen.
The Angelus
The Angel of the Lord declared to Mary:
And she conceived of the Holy Spirit.
(Say one Hail Mary)
Behold the handmaid of the Lord:
Be it done unto me according to Thy word.
(Say one Hail Mary)
And the Word was made Flesh:
(Genuflect) And dwelt among us.
(Say one Hail Mary)
Pray for us, O Holy Mother of God, that we
may be made worthy of the promises of
Christ.
Let us pray:
Pour forth, we beseech Thee, O Lord, Thy
grace into our hearts; that we, to whom the
incarnation of Christ, Thy Son, was made
known by the message of an angel, may by
His Passion and Cross be brought to the glory
of His Resurrection, through the same Christ
Our Lord.
Amen.