First Reconciliation
First Reconciliation
“Jesus said to them again, ‘Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I send you.’ And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and said to them, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.’” -- John 20: 21-23
The Sacrament of Reconciliation, also known as “Penance” or “Confession,” is an experience of God's unconditional forgiveness. It is offered to free baptized Catholics from sin and also challenges us to have the same kind of forgiveness for those who sin against us.
This Sacrament is one of the most unique and beautiful aspects of Catholicism. Jesus Christ, in His abundant love and mercy, established the Sacrament of Confession, so that we as sinners can obtain forgiveness for our sins and reconcile with God and the Church. The sacrament “washes us clean,” and renews us in Christ. It also “liberates” us to be forgivers. Consider the well-known Prayer of St. Francis: "It is in pardoning that we are pardoned."
The Sacrament of First Reconciliation is offered for the first time to children who are at least in second grade and have been in our Religious Education program for one full year or who are enrolled in our school. Preparation is provided through the Religious Education program and the school. To learn more about first reconciliation, please call the parish office at (414) 258-2604.
Helpful information to introduce or re-introduce you to the sacrament is available here.