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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)
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Preparing for First Reconciliation
There are four options for the preparation of children for First Reconciliation at St. Thomas More Parish:
- Students enrolled at St. Thomas More School prepare in School during Second Grade.
- 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.
- Students who are older than Second Grade enroll in the "Sacramental Preparation" class in Elementary Faith Development and use the Pflaum Gosepl Weeklies curriculum.
- Students in Home Catechesis may prepare for Reconciliation with their parents after consultation with the Director of Elementary Faith Development, using these same materials.
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 Reconcilation, both individually and at communal celebrations.
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First Reconciliation Family Retreats
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.
To register online, please click on your preferred session below:Saturday, November 6th, 9:00-11:30am
Saturday, November 6th, 1:00-3:30pm
Saturday, November 13th, 9:00-11:30am
Saturday, November 13th, 1:00-3:30pmYou may also register at the STM Church Office or during Elementary Faith Development in the EFD Office (STM Teacher Lounge).
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Notes about the First Reconciliation Service
First Reconciliation 2022
First Reconciliation will be held in St. Thomas More Church on January 22, 2022 at 10am. We ask that families arrive 15 minutes early in church attire and sit together. Nametags will be provided for your child to wear so the priest will be able to call your child by name. There will be stations set up around the church with the priest to meet with the children for the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Ushers will come and collect your child from the pew and guide your child on where to go. We will recite the Act of Contrition together as a whole community. We will practice this sacrament during the First Reconciliation Family Retreat and ask that you also practice at home so that your child feels confident in what they need to do and say.
Instructions for Individual Reconciliation:- Make the sign of the cross and say, “Bless me father; this is my first celebration of the Sacrament of Reconciliation.”
- Tell the priest your sins
- Receive a penance from the priest
- Receive absolution from the priest
- Return to your seat and say your penance.
- You are free to leave quietly when you have finished your penance.
Children only are invited to come forward for Reconciliation during the service. Unfortunately, we cannot invite parents or other family members to do so, because the service would be too long.
Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions you may have.Notas sobre el Servicio de Primera Reconciliación
La Primera Reconciliacion sera en la iglesia STM el 22 do enero de 2022 a las 10am. Por favor use ropa de iglesia para este día especial. Se preparará el Certificado de Primera Reconciliación de su hijo y la etiqueta con su nombre preimpresa para que los recoja. Por favor, pídale a su hijo que ponga su etiqueta con su nombre para que el sacerdote sepa el nombre de su hijo. Habrá estaciones alrededor de la iglesia con el sacerdote para reunirse con los niños para el Sacramento de la Reconciliación y ujieres para guiar a su hijo a donde debe ir cuando sea su turno. Todos dirán el Acto de contrición juntos como grupo. Es útil que practique en casa para que su hijo se sienta seguro de lo que necesita hacer y decir.Instrucciones para la Reconciliación Individual:
1. Haz la señal de la cruz y di “Bendíceme padre; esta es mi primera celebración del Sacramento de la Reconciliación”
4. Dile al sacerdote tus pecados
3. Recibe una penitencia del sacerdote.
4. Recibe la absolución del sacerdote.
5. Regrese a su asiento y diga su penitencia.
6. Eres libre de irte tranquilamente cuando hayas terminado tu penitencia.
Solo se invita a los niños a presentarse para la Reconciliación durante el servicio. Desafortunadamente, no podemos invitar a los padres u otros miembros de la familia a hacerlo porque el servicio sería demasiado largo.
Por favor, no dude en contactarnos con cualquier pregunta que pueda tener.