First Reconciliation and First Communion for Children
Children normally prepare for these sacraments in Grade 2. Preparation for these sacraments occurs on three levels; family, parish and school. Young people older than seven years of age who have missed these sacraments will require some catechetical formation before being admitted to these sacraments in accordance with Diocesan Sacramental Guidelines
We provide to parents a video based preparation program for First Reconciliation and First Communion. Parents work on the First Reconciliation Program with their children until the celebration of First Reconciliation, and then review the First Communion Program. Both programs can be found by following this link: Blessed First Reconciliation and First Communion Preparation
The Role of the Catholic School
Our Catholic schools play an invaluable role in helping the parish prepare for these celebrations. However, these are celebrations of the parish community, and as such, all inquiries and communication about these sacraments must be directed to the parish. This means that parents must request these sacraments for their children through the parish community. Please be aware that they do not automatically happen because the child is in the Catholic school system.
The Role of the Parish and Parents
There are parent meetings designed to assist parents to help those entrusted to their care to prepare for the celebration of Reconciliation and Eucharist. Parishioners are asked to present their child for these sacraments through a petition made available at the first parent meeting in the fall of the year. Parents are requested to provide proof of baptism for the child and, in some cases, pastoral intervention may be required when there are obstacles to full communion or children are baptized into other faith traditions. Parents and other family members are asked to work with their child to help them prepare for these sacraments. As a general policy, First Reconciliation is celebrated prior to First Communion.
It is very important that all parents who wish these children to receive the sacraments make the effort to attend Sunday mass with their children as part of the preparation process and beyond.
Questions concerning the reception of the sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist by children may be directed toward the pastor who will assist you in the process.
For the times of the Sacrament of Reconciliation for those who have received this sacrament previously, please consult our Reconciliation times Mass and Reconciliation Times
