First
Reconciliation
"On the evening of that day, the first day of the week," Jesus showed himself to his apostles. "He breathed on them, and said to them: 'Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained"
John 20:19, 22-23
The Catechism of the Catholic Church states:
The forgiveness of sins committed after Baptism is conferred by a particular sacrament called the sacrament of conversion, confession, penance, or reconciliation. CCC #1486
The Sacrament of Reconciliation is the sacramental celebration in which, through God's mercy and forgiveness, the sinner is reconciled with God and also with the Church, Christ's Body, which is wounded by sin. Individual confession with a priest is the principal means of absolution and reconciliation of sins within the Church. The Sacrament of Reconciliation frees us from sinful patterns of behavior and calls us to complete conversion to Christ.
Sacramental Preparation
The sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion is offered to Catholics who are at or above the ‘age of reason,’ usually second grade, or older. Our traditional children’s formation for these sacraments are in 2nd grade. Before receiving First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion second graders will be formed for a period of time in order to prepare for their reception of the sacraments. This is done through the combination of Faith Formation Class as well as guidance from parents at home, with resources provided by the parish. Attendance at special meetings and retreats is expected for parents and students. Notification of meetings is sent prior to these meetings. Baptismal certificates are requested and must be kept on file for sacramental verification.
FIRST RECONCILIATION FOR THOSE OLDER THAN 2ND GRADE
Preparation for the sacrament of Reconciliation is offered to adults through the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults program (RCIA). Please contact the Office of Missionary Discipleship at 605-886-4049 to register for RCIA. For more information on the RCIA program here at Immaculate Conception click here. ***
If a child enters our program in grades 3-9 who has not received First Communion or First Reconciliation, please notify Missy Baumberger at the Parish Office 605-886-4049 or email director@icparishwatertown.org and we will arrange for preparation and reception of these sacraments on a case by case basis.