First Reconciliation Prayer Services:
Contact the Children's Faith Formation Staff if your child needs to make other arrangements to receive First Reconciliation.
Learn more here for other Reconciliation opportunities at St. Joseph Catholic Church.
Pope Francis has stressed the “social dimension of evangelization” with a renewed emphasis on the missionary witness of families in the home and in their own communities. Indeed, we know that Christian witness begins in the home - in the domestic Church - with the promises parents make at the Baptism of their child. It continues in the witness of the faith community, in the Mass, and in the instruction of the child. Everything a parent does and says is witnessed by his or her children. It is the parent who first “Open(s) wide the door of faith” (Porta Fidei, Vatican) to his or her son or daughter. It is this door that welcomes a child to a faithful life, a way of being that shows the love and forgiveness that is the earmark of a follower of Christ.
Recognizing the importance of forgiveness and reconciliation, St. Joseph Catholic Church endeavors to provide a rich program that encourages family participation.
Our Coordinators in Children's Faith Formation pay special attention to the preparation received by catechists, parents and children.
Parents with a child receiving this sacramental preparation are urged to:
The Rite of Reconciliation
In order to participate in First Holy Eucharist in the Archdiocese of Chicago, a child over the age of 7 must first prepare for and receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation. This means that "First Communion" classes really incorporate two sacraments: the healing sacrament of Reconciliation and the community sacrament of First Communion.
For more information regarding what is expected in the Sacrament of Reconciliation, please vist the Reconciliation Information webpage.
Prior to this very important year, children over the age of 7 must have received a good year of general instruction in their Catholic faith. A "good year" means the child attends class regularly and seems generally prepared to move forward into the sacramental year. He or she should have good knowledge of basic prayers, such as the Our Father, the Hail Mary, and the Glory Be, as well as regular attendance at Mass.
Children enrolled in Promise Grades 1 and 2 will receive the necessary sacramental preparation during their Children's Faith Formation sessions.
Children older than second grade are enrolled in 8 weeks of sacramental preparation sessions in the spring of their second year of CFF sessions in addition to CFF learning level sessions.
Short YouTube Videos on Communion & the Mass that are Great for Class & Home!
Communion, or Eucharist, is first and foremost Christ drawing near to us in the grace of sacrament. When we bring our children to the Mass, we affirm our desire for them to grow in faith as Catholics. As they grow older, it is natural for our children to develop a deep and loving relationship with Jesus. At the Eucharist, we remember the great love of God and Jesus’ saving grace; His life, death and resurrection, which brings us new life. We give thanks for the grace of the sacrament and the promise of full unity with God. At Mass, we offer God gifts of bread and wine. God returns our gifts of bread and wine as Jesus. The Eucharist is truly a remarkable and special gift from our Lord.
Use some of your time at home as a family to work on your child's banner together. If you do not a banner kit already at home, click here for instructions for making your own banner with craft supplies you may already find at home.
Check with the Faith Formation office in February to purchase and pickup a banner kit for $20.
Year One Participation: (generally youth begin in 7th grade at St. Joseph)