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. To schedule an appointment outside of these penitential services, please speak to our priest directly.
For more information about the Sacrament of Reconciliation, watch the Sacraments 101: Penance (why we confess) video by Busted Halo.
Penitential services are scheduled with the other parishes in our region during the liturgical seasons of Advent and Lent. To schedule an appointment outside of these penitential services, please speak to our priest directly.
For more information about the Sacrament of Reconciliation, watch the Sacraments 101: Penance (why we confess) video by Busted Halo.
First Reconciliation
Families preparing to receive Sacraments often have questions. Below are some of the most frequently asked questions.
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?
Children preparing to receive the Sacrament of First Reconciliation must be baptised into the Roman Catholic Church. Before celebrating their First Reconciliation, children must complete a minimum of twenty hours in an ongoing program of catechesis (either catechism classes or in a Catholic school). These sessions assist the parents in initiating their children into the fullness of Christian life.
In addition to participating in an ongoing program of catechesis, children must complete six to eight sessions of sacramental catechesis before they can receive the Sacrament of First Reconciliation. These are catechetical sessions offered specifically to prepare children to receive the Sacraments.
Since Eucharistic celebrations are at the heart of our faith, children are expected to participate in Mass with their families each week. It is also expected that children be reasonably familiar with what happens at Mass.
Save the dates for our catechism & sacrament preparation registration weekends! If you are interested in signing your children up for catechism or sacrament preparation classes for the 2023-2024 catechetical year, we will have registration sessions following all masses on
In addition to participating in an ongoing program of catechesis, children must complete six to eight sessions of sacramental catechesis before they can receive the Sacrament of First Reconciliation. These are catechetical sessions offered specifically to prepare children to receive the Sacraments.
Since Eucharistic celebrations are at the heart of our faith, children are expected to participate in Mass with their families each week. It is also expected that children be reasonably familiar with what happens at Mass.
Save the dates for our catechism & sacrament preparation registration weekends! If you are interested in signing your children up for catechism or sacrament preparation classes for the 2023-2024 catechetical year, we will have registration sessions following all masses on
- Saturday, September 9th
- Sunday, September 10th
- Saturday, September 16th
- Sunday, September 17th
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 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 workbook.
When are First Reconciliation preparation classes?
First Reconciliation preparation session take place Saturdays from 3:00 p.m. - 4:55 p.m. beginning Saturday, November 4, 2023. Each session is followed by participation in our 5:00 p.m. mass. A complete schedule will be provided at the first preparation session.
Do we need to be registered members of St. Joseph the Worker church to have our child receive their First Reconciliation in your Parish?
Yes, if you wish for your child to receive their First Reconciliation 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-parishioners 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 would like 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 preparing 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 is first Reconciliation celebrated?
The celebration of First Reconciliation is tentatively scheduled for Saturday, December 2. More information will be provided at the first preparation session.
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.
2023-2024 Fees
Ongoing Sunday Catechism Classes: $55/child, $30 for each additional child
Sacrament Preparation: $45/child, $25 for each additional child
At this time, we are only able to accept cash or cheque payments. Cheques payable to: St. Joseph the Worker Parish
For more information, please contact our Faith Formation Coordinator, Koreen, at [email protected].
2023-2024 Fees
Ongoing Sunday Catechism Classes: $55/child, $30 for each additional child
Sacrament Preparation: $45/child, $25 for each additional child
At this time, we are only able to accept cash or cheque payments. Cheques payable to: St. Joseph the Worker Parish
For more information, please contact our Faith Formation Coordinator, Koreen, at [email protected].