The sacrament of Reconciliation is also known as Penance and Confession. In this sacrament, the priest, as the agent of God, forgives sins committed after Baptism, when the sinner is heartily sorry for them, sincerely confesses them, and is willing to make satisfaction for them. This is a Sacrament of Healing and is sometimes to referred to as a plank after shipwreck!  Two years of formal religious education (via Parish School enrollment or Faith Formation) are required to receive the sacraments of Reconciliation and First Eucharist.

By his death on the Cross, Jesus Christ redeemed man from sin and from the consequences of his sin, especially from the eternal death that is sin's due. On the very day he rose from the dead, Jesus instituted this sacrament by which men's sins could be forgiven.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

When can my child receive this sacrament?

This sacrament typically occurs during 2nd grade.  Catholic School Enrollment or Faith Formation programming will assist in the preparation for the reception of this sacrament.  Your child's First Reconciliation is received prior to First Eucharist. Baptism is a necessary first step, prior to the reception of any other sacrament.

Are parents given information about this sacrament?

Shortly after each school year begins, parents of students enrolled in 2nd grade Faith Formation or enrolled in 2nd grade at Holy Sepulcher and Saint Kilian Catholic Schools, as well as other students that we are aware are in need of the sacrament are contacted.  Information is sent about what to expect during the school year as well as dates for parent informational meetings, and other pertinent information.  Initial contact and parent meetings for First Reconciliation take place in the Fall.  If you have not received any information by the end of October, please contact Mary French, Director of Faith Formation at Saint Mark the Evangelist Parish immediately by email:  mfrench@saintmark.org.

When do the celebrations of this sacrament occur?

This sacrament at Saint Mark the Evangelist parish will usually be celebrated during the season of ADVENT or early winter months (January or February).  Parents will receive information concerning preparation and specific dates for First Reconciliation in the Fall if they have a second grade child registered for Faith Formation or enrolled in one of the 2 former parish schools (now Holy Sepulcher and Saint Kilian Catholic Schools).  If your child is in need of this sacrament but is not registered in one of our Faith Formation programs or as a student at Saint Kilian or Holy Sepulcher Catholic School, please contact MARY FRENCH for more information.

What if my child could not attend one of the scheduled First Reconciliation celebrations but was enrolled and prepared for this sacrament?

If your child was unable to attend one of the officially scheduled celebrations for First Reconciliation, you may take your child to any normally scheduled time for Reconciliation at our churches.  If you opt to go on your own, you should take the Reconciliation Verification Form with you, filled out, and have the priest sign this document.  It must then be returned to the Director of Faith Formation for record keeping purposes and prior to the reception of First Eucharist.  Please follow the instructions on the form and take a pen with you for the priest.

Can I help prepare my child for this sacrament?

Yes!  All parents are sent information in the FALL regarding assisting in the preparation for this sacrament at home.  There is a private webpage for just this purpose, providing you with suggestions, videos, lessons, prayers, and practice guidelines that can be done at home with children who will receive their First Reconciliation.  Can't find the email with the link?  Please send an email to mfrench@saintmark.org to request the information.

What is the best way to ensure my child is ready for this sacrament?

Parents can ensure that their child is prepared for this sacrament in a number of ways, the most important being by modeling the appropriate behavior for the student.  If parents are regularly receiving the Sacrament of Reconciliation and demonstrating for their child that it is an important part of being Catholic, that there is nothing to fear, and that this sacrament is something to receive joyously, their child will mirror those behaviors and attitudes.

Additionally, review information on a regular basis with your child about this sacrament, practice at home, and recite the basic prayers with your child on a regular basis so that he or she knows them prior to First Reconciliation.  Basic Prayers include the Our Father, the Hail Mary, the Glory Be, and an Act of Contrition.

Summary of Important Dates and Times:

Need information about First Eucharist?

Visit the First Eucharist page for more information about this sacrament!