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 and use the Pflaum Gosepl Weeklies curriculum.
4. 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.
 

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.

2021 RETREAT DATES

Saturday, November 6th, 9:00-11:30am
Saturday, November 6th, 1:00-3:30pm
Saturday, November 13th, 9:00-11:30am
Saturday, November 13th, 1:00-3:30pm

First Reconciliation 2022

To ensure everyone’s safety, we are going to modify how we do our First Reconciliation Service on Saturday, February 5, 2022. We are grateful we are able to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation and are praying for these little ones as they prepare themselves for their very first one.

First Reconciliation will be conducted in this way:

1. Children receiving First Reconciliation will be divided into 3 groups: A, B, and C.
2. Group A will meet in the church at 10:20am, Group B at 11:00am, and Group C at 11:30am.
3. Groups B and C, please arrive 10 minutes prior to your scheduled time and wait in the Friends and Family Hall. Someone will direct you to the church when it is time for your group to enter. 

VIEW FIRST RECONCILIATION GROUPS
 

(UPDATED 01/21/22)

Notes about the First Reconciliation Service
Please wear church attire for this special day. Your child’s First Reconciliation Certificate and preprinted nametag will be prepared for you to collect before entering the church. Please have your child put on their nametag so the priest will know your child’s name. There will be stations set up around the church with the priest to meet with the children for the Sacrament of Reconciliation and ushers to guide your child to where they need to go when it is their turn. They will all say the Act of Contrition together as a group. It is helpful for you to practice at home so that your child feels confident in what they need to do and say.

Instructions for Individual Reconciliation

1. Make the sign of the cross and say, “Bless me father; this is my first celebration of the Sacrament of Reconciliation.”
2. Tell the priest your sins
3. Receive a penance from the priest
4. Receive absolution from the priest
5. Return to your seat and say your penance.
6. 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.
 

Primera Reconciliación 2022

1. Las familias se dividirán en grupos A, B y C.
2. Grupo A se reunirá en la iglesia a las 10:20 am, Grupo B a las 11:00h y Grupo C a las 11:30h.
3. Grupos B y C, llegue 10 minutos antes de la hora programada y espere en el Salón de Amigos y Familia. Alguien lo dirigirá a la iglesia cuando sea el momento de que su grupo ingrese.

1. Haz la señal de la cruz y di: “Bendíceme padre; esta es mi primera celebración del Sacramento de la Reconciliación”.
2. 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.