CFF First Reconciliation

1. Healing and Forgiveness: First Reconciliation is a profound experience of God’s unconditional love and forgiveness. It allows individuals to cleanse their souls from sin, fostering spiritual healing and peace.
2. Moral and Spiritual Growth: The sacrament encourages introspection and moral responsibility. By acknowledging their sins, individuals grow in their understanding of right and wrong, strengthening their moral character and commitment to living a virtuous life.
3. Community and Belonging: Participating in First Reconciliation reinforces one’s sense of belonging to the Catholic community. It emphasizes the importance of communal support and the shared journey of faith.
4. Preparation for First Communion: First Reconciliation is a prerequisite for receiving First Communion. It prepares the heart to receive Jesus in the Eucharist with a pure and open spirit.

Steps for Children:

1. Attend Faith Formation Classes:
   
   • Children must attend the designated Faith Formation classes where they will learn about the Sacrament of Reconciliation and the distinction between sin, mistakes, and accidents.
2. Learn Prayers:
   
   • Children should learn and regularly practice the Act of Contrition, Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be at home.
3. Understand Key Concepts:
   
   • Children should understand the significance of the Sacrament of Reconciliation and be able to explain the difference between sins and mistakes.
4. Practice Examination of Conscience:
   
   • Regularly practice examining their conscience to understand their actions and thoughts and how they align with God's teachings.
5. Participate in Reconciliation Service:
   
   • Attend the scheduled First Reconciliation Service, which includes a communal Act of Contrition, independent examination of conscience, individual confession, and penance.

Steps for Parents:

1. Provide Baptismal Certificate:
   
   • Ensure the Faith Formation office has a copy of the child’s Baptismal certificate.
2. Encourage and Assist:
   
   • Help your child understand the terms used in preparing for Reconciliation and assist them in learning the necessary prayers and the Ten Commandments.
3. Model and Practice:
   
   • Model prayer and reconciliation practices at home. Parents should practice prayers with their children and discuss the importance of the Sacrament.
4. Attend Informational Meetings:
   
   • Participate in periodic informational meetings and special family celebrations organized throughout the year to coordinate with the home preparation.
5. Dress Appropriately for Reconciliation Service:
   
   • Ensure that children wear casual and comfortable attire for the Reconciliation service to help them feel at ease and focused on the sacrament.

• First Reconciliation Service for CFF Students: March 8, 2025
  • Time: 4:45 p.m.
  • Participants: CFF Students, adults, and siblings may also receive the sacrament after the children.

• The Sacrament of Reconciliation is a celebration of God's forgiveness of our sins. It allows us to make peace with God and others by confessing our sins, receiving absolution, and performing penance.

• The Catholic Church recommends receiving the Sacrament of Reconciliation at least once a year, preferably during the Lenten or Advent Season. More frequent participation is encouraged to maintain a close relationship with God.

• Children should understand the Ten Commandments, differentiate between sins and mistakes, and be familiar with key prayers like the Act of Contrition. They should also know the steps of the Rite of Reconciliation and the significance of each part.

• The steps include:
  • Examination of Conscience: Reflecting on one's actions and thoughts.
  • Confession: Telling the priest about the sins.
  • Penance: Receiving a task or prayer to perform as a sign of repentance.
  • Act of Contrition: Expressing sorrow for sins and asking for forgiveness.
  • Absolution: The priest forgives the sins.
  • Prayer of Thanksgiving: Thanking God for His love and forgiveness.

• Children should wear casual and comfortable attire, such as a casual top and slacks. The focus should be on making the child feel at ease during the sacrament.

• Yes, adults and siblings are invited to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation after the children during the scheduled services.

Contact Information

• Jasmine Gonzalez
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Phone: 847-362-5797