RECONCILIATION:

The Sacrament of Reconciliation and the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick make up the Sacraments of Healing. God’s design is intended that all people be saved by Christ’s self-sacrificial love. Through the Holy Spirit, we have the Sacraments of Healing to restore us to physical and spiritual health.

The Sacrament of Reconciliation or Penance should be seen as a chance to rid our selves of sin and to turn our hearts toward God. Through confessing our sins to a priest, the representative of Christ, we can be absolved and brought to new life in our walk with God. When we repent from those things that separate us from Christ, the Sacrament cleans our hearts and helps us to live a redeemed life. Sin weakens the relationships with have with God and others. Reconciliation gives us a chance to make amends for our sins, restoring us with God’s grace.

The church advises attending Reconciliation regularly for all Catholics. It is one of the precepts of the Church that minimally, we receive Penance at least once a year between Lent and Trinity Sunday.

Preparation for First Reconciliation & First Communion/Eucharist: Wednesdays & One Sunday a Month

The Sacrament of First Reconciliation or First Confession is received in the winter of 2nd grade for children at St. Raphael’s church. Students and parents participate in a time of Learning. All Faith Formation, Catholic Schooled, and Home Schooled children share many parts of this experience as a community of faith. The Sacrament of First Eucharist or First Communion is received in the spring of 2nd grade for children at St. Raphael’s church. Classes run from the fall thru the first Sunday in May, First Eucharist Sunday. Students and parents participate in a time of Learning Centers as well at practice for the day of the first sacrament.

Classes this year are in conjunction with the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, our Atrium program. The class meets in the Atrium room, in the church basement on Wednesdays for the Atrium training and on One Sunday a Month from 8:45am to 11:45pm. The Sunday gatherings will start with 8:45am Mass with the class sitting together and joining in the Masses as they learn. At 10am, they will move into programs led by the ever growing First Reconciliation/First Communion Team. We use the Together in Jesus from Pflaum Publishing Group. This program conforms to the Catechism of the Catholic Church and brings children and their families to a joyful reception of the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist. There are many requirements for the students and families; watch for the First Reconciliation/Eucharist Student Handbook at the Parent Meeting.