Introduction:
What is the sacrament of Reconciliation or Penance?
The Sacrament of Reconciliation was formerly known as the Sacrament of Penance and is also still commonly referred to as a child's First Confession. The emphasis in preparing children for this sacrament is based on asking the children to reflect on times when they did not live as Jesus asked them. The children may, for example, draw a picture of a time when they did not show love for others. This picture is sometimes used by the child as a prompt to talk to the priest while they are receiving the sacrament. Confessional boxes are no longer used, the child and priest sit to one side of the church.
In the sacrament of reconciliation the children receive the grace of forgiveness and repentance. In order to receive their First Communion, children must first receive the grace of forgiveness and repentance and therefore most children will undertake the Sacrament of Penance sometime in the weeks prior to their First Holy Communion.
Families should try to establish two habits, if they aren’t in place already
First, do some kind of prayer at home each day. It could be a prayer in the morning, a meal prayer, an evening or bedtime prayer. The preferred choice for this year would be to say the Our Father because that prayer is the one we expect children to know so they can more fully participate at Mass. The pattern should be the same, begin with the sign of the Cross and say the Our Father together and end with the Sign of the Cross. If the child already knows the Our Father by heart then a meal prayer or the Hail Mary would be good.
Second, come to Mass as often as possible. Coming each week is the goal. If some pattern of regular Mass attendance is not established as a family habit, children will not really understand First Eucharist, and they will have little basis for practicing the Catholic faith as they get older. If you value the sacraments enough to send your children for Religious Education then you have to consider a regular pattern of attendance at Mass to be a crucial part of the program.
What does my child need to wear: Dress Code?
Your child should be dressed neatly as if they were going to a special occasion. Boys do not have to wear jackets and ties. Girls do not have to wear fancy dresses. However, jeans, sweatshirts, T-shirts and sneakers are inappropriate.
What is the sacrament of Reconciliation or Penance?
The Sacrament of Reconciliation was formerly known as the Sacrament of Penance and is also still commonly referred to as a child's First Confession. The emphasis in preparing children for this sacrament is based on asking the children to reflect on times when they did not live as Jesus asked them. The children may, for example, draw a picture of a time when they did not show love for others. This picture is sometimes used by the child as a prompt to talk to the priest while they are receiving the sacrament. Confessional boxes are no longer used, the child and priest sit to one side of the church.
In the sacrament of reconciliation the children receive the grace of forgiveness and repentance. In order to receive their First Communion, children must first receive the grace of forgiveness and repentance and therefore most children will undertake the Sacrament of Penance sometime in the weeks prior to their First Holy Communion.
Families should try to establish two habits, if they aren’t in place already
First, do some kind of prayer at home each day. It could be a prayer in the morning, a meal prayer, an evening or bedtime prayer. The preferred choice for this year would be to say the Our Father because that prayer is the one we expect children to know so they can more fully participate at Mass. The pattern should be the same, begin with the sign of the Cross and say the Our Father together and end with the Sign of the Cross. If the child already knows the Our Father by heart then a meal prayer or the Hail Mary would be good.
Second, come to Mass as often as possible. Coming each week is the goal. If some pattern of regular Mass attendance is not established as a family habit, children will not really understand First Eucharist, and they will have little basis for practicing the Catholic faith as they get older. If you value the sacraments enough to send your children for Religious Education then you have to consider a regular pattern of attendance at Mass to be a crucial part of the program.
What does my child need to wear: Dress Code?
Your child should be dressed neatly as if they were going to a special occasion. Boys do not have to wear jackets and ties. Girls do not have to wear fancy dresses. However, jeans, sweatshirts, T-shirts and sneakers are inappropriate.
Websites
The Sacrament of Reconciliation
http://www.schooldays.ie/articles/penance
The Sacrament of Reconciliation for Kids
http://catholicjules.net/2010/09/09/sacrament-of-reconciliation-for-kids/
Reconciliation Guide for Children
http://www.rcan.org/thelightisonforyou/index_html_files/8%20Guide%20for%20Children.pdf
Celebrating the Sacrament of Reconciliation: Ten Steps for Children
http://ctkri.org/webmaster/ReligiousFormation/Docs/ReconciliationCeremony.pdf
The Sacrament of Reconciliation
http://www.schooldays.ie/articles/penance
The Sacrament of Reconciliation for Kids
http://catholicjules.net/2010/09/09/sacrament-of-reconciliation-for-kids/
Reconciliation Guide for Children
http://www.rcan.org/thelightisonforyou/index_html_files/8%20Guide%20for%20Children.pdf
Celebrating the Sacrament of Reconciliation: Ten Steps for Children
http://ctkri.org/webmaster/ReligiousFormation/Docs/ReconciliationCeremony.pdf