In their First Reconciliation, Catholics experience God’s love and forgiveness. They acknowledge how their sins affect their relationships with God, their family and friends and their community. They say they are sorry and make a clear decision to avoid those sins in the future.

Children typically prepare for First Reconciliation during second grade after having received a year of religious education through a Catholic school or Parish School of Religion. Children wishing to receive First Reconciliation must be attending weekend Masses in our parish and St. Catherien of Siena Catholic School or the Parish School of Religion, as well as participate in the First Reconciliation preparation program during the fall. A pre-approved home-school program is an option for those who cannot attend St. Catherine of Siena School or Parish School of Religion.

Our parish celebrates First Reconciliation each year during Advent with a special communal Reconciliation service for the students and their families. The Sacrament of Reconciliation includes examining our conscience, the act of confessing sins and asking for forgiveness, receiving absolution and doing penance.