WHAT IS FIRST RECONCILIATION? 

The encounter with the overwhelming Mercy of God in Reconciliation and the initiation into the Mystery of the Eucharist at First Holy Communion are milestones in the faith development of a child. First Reconciliation is a child’s first formal encounter with God’s mercy. The Sacrament introduces children to a tool of the Church to draw closer to Jesus. Reconciliation is beneficial to each of us, psychologically and spiritually, to acknowledge our sins and receive forgiveness.

HOW DOES THE SACRAMENT WORK AT OUR PARISH?

Preparation for First Communion and First Reconciliation occur together. In addition to participation in sacrament preparation retreats and activities, those preparing for First Reconciliation and First Communion must be attending regular religion classes either at St. Aloysius School or through the parish Family Faith Formation (Fx3) program. While the parish traditionally prepares youth during their second grade academic year, at an age when conscience and reason have developed, older youth and even adults can also prepare for these sacraments individually, in small groups, or through our Becoming Catholic (RCIA) process. All are encouraged to prepare for these healing and fortifying sacraments to receive the gift of God’s grace and the gift of Jesus’ own Body and Blood in the Most Holy Eucharist.

Complete details on preparing for First Reconciliation are on the First Communion page.

If you are an adult seeking the Sacrament of Reconciliation, information is available on the Becoming Catholic page.

For more information, contact:
Denise Brennan, Director of Religious Education
419-352-4195 ext. 110
brennan.d@stalbg.org