First Reconciliation Parent Meeting Prayer for a Merciful

First Reconciliation Parent Meeting

Prayer for a Merciful Home Christ Jesus, You open your heart to us with unconditional love and devotion. Help us to follow your example of mercy. May our home provide a warm and welcoming space for all who enter our door. May we strive each day to ask for and extend forgiveness with generous and open hearts. May the words we say be ones of kindness and respect. And may we listen twice as much as we speak, ever willing to remain open to one another. Enfold our home in your merciful love. In your sacred name, we pray. Amen.

Readiness to begin preparation is not the same as readiness to receive the sacrament.

Chapter 1 “God Calls Us Friends” KEY POINTS from Chapter 1 • God gives us the gift of Grace • Sometimes we make wrong choices • Jesus our Savior helps us reconcile with God WORDS TO KNOW (pp 2 -7, 76) • grace • temptation • Original Sin • Savior • reconcile THINGS TO DO • Talk with your child about God • Read scripture (locate the book of Genesis in the Bible) • Put the Chapter 1 stickers on pages 2 -3 • Complete activity on page 7 • Go over the “Living My Faith” on page 10 • Practice making the Sign of the Cross

Stickers for each Chapter’s Scripture are in the back of the book.

Act of Contrition ✔ O my God, I am heartily sorry for having offended Thee, and I detest all my sins because of thy just punishments, but most of all because they offend Thee, my God, who art all good and deserving of my love. I firmly resolve with the help of Thy grace to sin no more and to avoid the near occasion of sin. Amen. O My God, I am sorry for my sins with all my heart. In choosing to do wrong and failing to do good, I have sinned against you whom I should love above all things. I firmly intend, with your help, to do penance, to sin no more, and to avoid whatever leads me to sin. Our Savior Jesus Christ suffered and died for us. In his name, my God, have mercy. Amen. Found on the back cover AND on page 74

Diocesan Guidelines for Sacramental Preparation First Reconciliation and First Communion

The family must be active and registered members of St. Andrew's Church. For adolescent members of St. Andrew’s Church who have received the Sacrament of Baptism. Individual seeking sacraments must present proof of Baptism in the Catholic Church. 842 § 1. A person who has not received baptism cannot be admitted validly to the other sacraments. BAPTISM CERTIFICATES ARE DUE BY OCTOBER 31, 2020 Candidate must be currently enrolled in at least 2 nd grade, and is of ‘catechetical age’ (7 years. )

The sacraments of baptism, confirmation and Eucharist are three sacraments by which an individual is initiated into the full life of the Church. Children should not begin preparation, unless with their parents, they are already regular participants at Sunday Mass. Individuals preparing to celebrate any of the sacraments should participate in a substantial period of catechesis and formation before preparation begins.

Preparation for Reconciliation and First Communion must be a separate and distinct program from any other religious education. All candidates must be concurrently enrolled in a religious education program during the year in which they prepare. This can be either enrollment in a Catholic School, approved Home-School program, or participation in a parish religious education program. All candidates participate in the preparation program. This includes all Catholic school students as well as homeschool students.

In the Latin Church, children must receive the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation for the first time prior to their first reception of the Eucharist. Can. 914 It is primarily the duty of parents and those who take the place of parents, as well as the duty of pastors, to take care that children who have reached the use of reason are prepared properly and, after they have made sacramental confession, are refreshed with this divine food as soon as possible. It is for the pastor to exercise vigilance so that children who have not attained the use of reason or whom he judges are not sufficiently disposed do not approach holy communion. Adult sessions coincide with student sessions, and are provided to supplement the formation done at home. Sessions with parents continue throughout the catechetical process, to deepen understanding, and provide ongoing assistance.

First Penance is properly celebrated with the child’s pastor with a liturgical rite of reconciliation that includes: • a Liturgy of the Word • communal singing ** • a communal examination of conscience with a public expression of sorrow • private confession with a personal expression of sorrow and individual absolution • a public action of reconciliation • a fellowship gathering afterwards ** ** NOT DONE DURING COVID RESTRICTIONS

Children need encouragement and the support of their parents to remain involved in regular Christian education and formation. Children need to stay constant with weekly participation in the Sunday Eucharist. Parents should encourage their children to become firmly grounded in the sacramental life of the community.

Preparation Classes for First Reconciliation are: October 31 November 14 November 21 10: 00 – 11: 30 am The Social Hall will be unlocked at 9: 45 am. Use the upper level doors by the office parking lot. Please allow time to enter the building and complete the screening requirements. First Reconciliation service is: Saturday, December 5, 2020 at 10: 00 am