First Reconciliation

The Sacrament of Reconciliation

"The whole power of the Sacrament of Penance consists in restoring us to God's grace and joining us with him in an intimate friendship."  (CCC n.1468)

There are four options for the preparation of children for First Reconciliation at St. Thomas More Parish:

1. Students enrolled at St. Thomas More School prepare in School during Second Grade.
2. Students enrolled in the Elementary Faith Development program prepare over two years in First and Second Grade. For catechesis students use the Pflaum Gospel Weeklies curriculum.
3. Students who are older than Second Grade enroll in the "Sacramental Preparation" class in Elementary Faith Development.
4. Students in Home Catechesis may prepare for Reconciliation with their parents after consultation with the Director of Elementary Faith Development.

The most helpful preparation for all students is the example and practice of their parents, to live a conscious Christian life at home, of prayer, reading the Scriptures, striving to follow God's law, expressing sorrow for sin and readily granting forgiveness, and regular celebration of the Sacrament of Reconciliation, both individually and at communal celebrations.
 

The First Reconciliation Family Retreats are held in the Friends and Family Hall. It is mandatory that each family attends one First Reconciliation Retreat. The candidate must be accompanied by at least one parent/guardian for the duration of the retreat.  We regret that we cannot offer childcare this year.

2024 RETREAT DATES
Saturday, November 16th, 9:00am-11:30am
Saturday, November 16th, 1:00pm-3:30pm
Saturday, November 23rd, 9:00am-11:30am
Saturday, November 23rd 1:00pm-3:30pm

The Sacrament of Penance is God’s gift to us so that any sin committed after Baptism can be forgiven. In confession, we have the opportunity to repent and recover the grace of friendship with God. Steps for receiving the Sacrament of Reconciliation will be covered in classes and are included in the Sacramental Preparation Handbook for home practice. Here are some important things to note in preparation for Saturday, January 28^th:

• Date: Saturday, January 25, 2025, PLEASE ARRIVE 15 MINUTES BEFORE YOUR GROUP START TIME: Group A at 9:50am, Group B at 10:30am and Group C at 11:00am. Group assignments are HERE.
• Location: The Main Church. Please check in at the table in the Narthex to pick up your child’s nametag from the table before heading into the Church.
• Dress Guidance: Church clothes that you would wear to Mass
• At least one parent/ guardian must stay for the duration of your child’s First Reconciliation
• If you are unable to attend the scheduled First Reconciliation: Contact Emily Kremer to schedule your First Reconciliation as soon as possible
• After their First Reconciliation: You may leave the church once you have completed your penance.
• If you have any questions: Contact Julie Hall, Director of Elementary Faith Development.

El Sacramento de la Confesión es el regalo de Dios para nosotros para que cualquier pecado cometido después del Bautismo pueda ser perdonado. En la confesión temenos la oportunidad de arrepentirnos y recuperar la gracia de la amistad con Dios. Los pasos para recibir el Sacramento de la Confesion se cubrirán en las clases y se incluyen en el Folleto para Preparacion Sacramental para la practica en el hogar. Aquí hay información importante para tener en cuenta en preparación para el sábado 27 de enero:

• Fecha: Sábado, 25 de enero de 2025, POR FAVOR LLEGUE 15 MINUTOS ANTES DE LA HORA DE INICIO DE SU GRUPO. Las asignaciones de los grupos será publicado aqu¡ y comienzan: Grupo A a las 9:50, Grupo B a las 10:30 y Grupo C a las 11:00 am. Las asignaciones de los grupos están AQUI.
• Lugar: La Iglesia. Por favor regístrese en la mesa en el Narthex para recoger la etiqueta con el nombre de su hijo de la mesa antes de ir a la Iglesia.
• Pautas de vestimenta: Ropa de Iglesia, que usarías para la Misa
• Al menos un padre/tutor debe permanecer durante la duracion de sus hijos Primera Confesión
• Si no puede asistir al servicio programado de Primera Confesión: Comuníquese con Emily Kremer  para programar su Primera confesión lo antes posible
• Despues de la confesión: Usted puede dejar la iglesia una vez que haya realizado su confesión.
• Si tiene alguna pregunta: Contacto Julie Hall, Directora de la Escuela Elemental de Desarrollo de la Fe