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The sacrament of Reconciliation allows us to know God's love and forgiveness, and experience it in a tangible way.
Penitential services are scheduled with the other parishes in our region during the liturgical seasons of Advent and Lent. Please visit our parish calendar to find the exact dates and times of these services. If you would like to receive the sacrament of reconciliation outside of seasonally scheduled times, please call the parish office to schedule an appointment or speak with Fr. David directly. |
Sacraments 101: Penance (why we confess) by Busted Halo
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First Reconciliation
At what age should a child first receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation?
At St. Joseph the Worker Church, children may prepare to celebrate their First Reconciliation when they are seven or older. These children must be baptised members of the Roman Catholic Church.
The suggested age for the preparation of your child is only a guideline, there is no need to rush your child into receiving the sacraments. Our sacramental preparation programs are offered every year.
The suggested age for the preparation of your child is only a guideline, there is no need to rush your child into receiving the sacraments. Our sacramental preparation programs are offered every year.
What preparation is required for my child to celebrate their first reconciliation?
Before receiving the Sacrament of Reconciliation for the first time, your child must complete a minimum of twenty hours in an ongoing program of catechesis. These twenty hours should be completed in the year prior to the reception of the Sacrament. An ongoing program of catechesis is defined by the Archdiocese of St. Boniface as catechetical sessions for school-aged children, in the form of regular systematic catechesis in a parish or school setting. These sessions assist in initiating the children into the fullness of Christian life.
In addition, your child must complete six to eight sacramental catechesis sessions before they can receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Sacramental catechesis is defined by the Archdiocese of St. Boniface as the catechetical sessions offered specifically to prepare for the Sacraments. These catechetical sessions, participation in the life of the Christian community of worship and service along with a life of faith lived in family life are essential.
In addition, your child must complete six to eight sacramental catechesis sessions before they can receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Sacramental catechesis is defined by the Archdiocese of St. Boniface as the catechetical sessions offered specifically to prepare for the Sacraments. These catechetical sessions, participation in the life of the Christian community of worship and service along with a life of faith lived in family life are essential.
Are there requirements of the parents who wish to have their child celebrate Their first reconciliation?
Our program is family based, meaning that the parents are involved in their child's sacramental preparation. While the children are meeting for their sacramental catechesis sessions, parents are required to participate in a minimum of six hours of adult catechesis. These adult catechetical sessions are required by the Archdiocese of St. Boniface and are designed to help parents rediscover and reinvigorate their faith and give them the essential elements of the faith so that they may, in turn, pass them to their children.
Parents are also encouraged to be actively involved in their child's faith journey at home by helping them with their weekly assignments from their family workbook.
Parents are also encouraged to be actively involved in their child's faith journey at home by helping them with their weekly assignments from their family workbook.
When are First Reconciliation preparation Session?
First Reconciliation preparation sessions are held in our parish on Thursday nights at 6:30 p.m. Those preparing for First Reconciliation received the sacrament on Thursday, December 12, 2019. The 2020/2021 Sacrament preparation schedule has not yet been finalised.
Do we need to be registered members of St. Joseph the Worker church to have our child receive reconciliation for the first time in your church?
Yes, if you are seeking First Reconciliation for your child in our parish it is assumed that you are practising your faith in our church and are a registered member of our church. The reception of any sacrament is a celebration of the Catholic community where you worship and should be celebrated in your home parish. There are some exceptions, and in these cases, we will work with non-members to provide the Sacrament. If your family belongs to another parish, we ask for a letter of delegation from the pastor of your home parish. This is done as a courtesy for the priest of your home parish, who traditionally has sacramental jurisdiction over their own parishioners.
We are not currently registered members of any church, can we register at St. Joseph the Worker?
If you are called to worship in our church and have a desire to be part of our parish community, then you are welcome to register with us. To learn more about becoming a registered member of St. Joseph the Worker church, please contact the parish office.
Do both parents need to attend all the preparation classes?
Yes, if this is your first child being prepared for the sacrament, both parents must attend all preparation classes. If you are unable to accommodate this, we recommend waiting until a time when your schedule will work with these classes. Parents are only required to complete these sessions once with their first child, but may choose to participate again with a younger child at another date.
When do you offer First Reconciliation?
Those preparing for First Reconciliation received the sacrament on Thursday, December 12, 2019. The 2020/2021 Sacrament preparation schedule has not yet been finalised.
Are there costs associated with First Reconciliation Preparation?
To cover the cost of the workbooks and materials used during the preparation sessions there is a fee. Those without financial means are not obligated to pay the full amount. For more information, please contact our Coordinator of Catechetics.
