Teaching Your Child How to Make Their First Reconciliation

While making the sign of the Cross, the child begins by saying:
Bless me Father, for I have sinned. This is my first confession. Father, I (here you may tell Father your sins.)

Please help your child understand that s/he should not bring a "laundry list" of misdeeds to confession. Instead, work with your child to present behaviors or tendencies - illustrated by specific words, choices or actions - that may have caused harm to others or failed to relieve another's pain.

Priest says: For your penance...
(example: Say one Our Father, or Help your parents today)

Child says: Act of Contrition:
My God,
I am sorry for my sins with all my heart.
In choosing to do wrong and failing to do good,
I have sinned against you whom I should love above all things.
I firmly intend, with your help, to do penance, to sin no more, and to avoid whatever leads me to sin.
Our Savior Jesus Christ suffered and died for us.
In his name, my God, have mercy.

Raising his hand over your head, Priest says:
I absolve you of your sins, in the name of the Father and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. God bless you.

Child says: Amen. Thank you, Father

 The Sacrament of First Reconciliation is scheduled each year for those making their First Communions. You will receive notifications about the dates.

Review for First Reconciliation

The children will gather with their parents on their group's scheduled date to review the Rite of Reconciliation. Parents are encouraged to spend time before this review to help their children understand the Rite and what they will be asked to say and do during it That will not only eliminate surprises but will reinforce all that the children need to know.

Format for First Reconciliation

The celebration of the Sacrament of Reconciliation will begin in Church with a brief prayer service. At the time of individual confessions, the children will be directed to a confessional station where they will meet with a Priest. Once they have made their confession, they will pray their penance. Please respect that the act of confession is a private matter between your child and Jesus, present in the person of the Priest. If your child has any concerns or hesitancy about celebrating the Sacrament in this way, please alert the Religious Education staff or volunteers before the prayer service begins.

Dress Code for First Reconciliation

There are no absolute dress requirements for the celebration of First Reconciliation. Children should simply wear clothing that is respectful and appropriate for Church. We ask that the children refrain from wearing sports uniforms, sweats, shorts, tee-shirts or anything with inappropriate images or product logos, etc.

Prayers for Your Child to Know

You may refer to several resources to help your child learn the prayers that are central to the Rite of Reconciliation and other basic prayers. These include your child's Finding God workbook (which includes audio files accessible by QR code to help your child practice the prayers even when you are not there).

These prayers include:

Our Father, The Hail Mary, Sign of the Cross, Act of Contrition, Great Commandment, Prayer to the Holy Spirit, Grace before Meals