Preparing for the Sacraments of Reconciliation & Holy Communion
Sacrament Preparation & Family Participation
“Let love be sincere; hate what is evil, hold on to what is good;
love one another with mutual affection; anticipate one another in showing honor.” -Romans 12:9-10
The students are prepared along side their classmates during the first 2 years of Religious Education for the sacraments of first Reconciliation and first Holy Communion. The children are walked through the procedures, form and matter of the sacraments and how they affect our lives. If a student is in the RCIC program and will also be make sacraments, they will participate in most of their lessons with the RCIC teacher and then some designated days alongside the Level 2 class.
Families are invited and expected to be full participants in their child's formation especially in the sacrament years. There are Masses designated specifically for the children and a retreat in the spring to bring everyone's intentions together.
Families are encouraged to read the attached letter about the specifics regarding sacrament rehearsal and reception, for both First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion.
communion timeline letter.pdfFirst Reconciliation
“If we acknowledge our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from every wrongdoing." 1 John 1:9
Our students will be preparing for this sacrament before their First Communion. It's the perfect time for Catholics to seek a clean heart and soul. Students will use an Examination of Conscience, or a list of questions that relate to the 10 Commandments encouraging them to think about their choices in an age appropriate way.
Before celebrating the Sacrament of Penance, one should prepare oneself with an examination of conscience, which involves reflecting prayerfully on one's thoughts, words, and deeds in order to identify any sins. There are various types of examinations of conscience but regardless of which one you use to prepare yourself for the Sacrament it should be rooted in Scripture; particularly, the Ten Commandments and Beatitudes. You can find examinations of conscience here as provided by the USCCB:
Reconciliation is available at Msgr Ryan Hall on Saturdays at 4pm.
All are welcome and encouraged to receive this beautiful sacrament!
First Holy Communion
“This is my body, which will be given for you; do this in memory of me.”
All the sacraments are sacred links uniting the faithful with one another and binding them to Jesus. The name “communion” can be applied to all of them, for they unite us to God. This name is best suited to the Eucharist than to any other, because it is primarily the Eucharist that brings this communion about.
In the Sacrament of Holy Communion, Christians receive and consume the real body and blood of Christ Jesus as they enter into unity with Christ and the Church.
If you are the body and members of Christ, then it is your sacrament that is placed on the table of the Lord; it is your sacrament that you receive. To that which you are you respond “Amen” (“yes, it is true!”) and by responding to it you assent to it. For you hear the words, “the Body of Christ” and respond “Amen.” Be then a member of the Body of Christ that your Amen may be true (St. Augustine, Sermon 272: PL 38, 1247).
