First Reconciliation FAQs
Who usually attends Reconciliation?
This is typically an event for your second grader and one or both parents.
What should we wear?
Church appropriate clothing is fine. Please no sweats or jeans.
What do we do when we arrive?
When the children enter the church they will find the sheep they made on a table. This sheep will then be placed on the board labeled “Lost” and the child will return to sit with their family. You may sit anywhere in the middle sections of the church.
Father will have a reading and homily. We will say the Act of Contrition as a group and then begin individual confessions with the priests. Teachers will direct the children to various priests as they become available. Once the students have gone we will invite any parents who would like to go to confession to do so. Please remember your child looks to you as an example. This is the perfect time to show them that everyone goes to confession.
After the child has gone to confession they will go to the “Lost” board and move their sheep to the “Found” board. They will then return to the pew. Please remember this should be a quiet time for reflection by all in attendance. Young siblings may find this to be a long time to be quiet.
What Do I Say?
Greet the priest and sit down.
Make the Sign of the Cross
Say “Bless me Father for I have sinned. This is my first confession and these are my sins _________(1 or 2 sins)
Say, “ I am sorry for these and all of my sins.”
The priest will then talk to you a bit and give you a penance.
The priest will bless you.
Say “Thank you Father” and get up to go move your sheep.
If you have questions, please contact your child’s teacher.