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Reconciliation

- At St. Michael, First Reconciliation is generally received in the winter of their second year of Faith Formation, shortly before their First Communion.
  
  As children approach the sacrament of Reconciliation for the first time, they are in the early stages of their faith development. Family members are privileged to journey with their children as they prepare for the celebration of this sacrament.
  
  Parents are involved in sacrament preparation because the Church views the parent’s role in the religious formation of their children as both a privilege and an obligation. When a child is presented to the Church for Baptism, parents are reminded that they have the responsibility “of training [the child] in the practice of the faith.” (Rite of Baptism of Children 77). This parental obligation and privilege extends to preparation for sacraments.
  
  It is important to remember that it has been within the family that children have first come to faith, where they experience love and forgiveness. It is within the family that children will continue to live out faith and witness the daily example of Catholic believers.
  
  How to bring your child to their first Reconciliation
  
  Parent/ Child Reconciliation Discussion Questions
- Readiness for Reconciliation
  
  Through preparation for the Sacrament of Reconciliation, it is reasonable to expect that a child has come to know, in an age-appropriate way:
  
  The difference between right and wrong
  
  Accidents and mistakes are not sins
  
  When we deliberately choose to do what is wrong and turn away from God, we sin
  
  God is loving and merciful
  
  God will always forgive us if we are truly sorry and ask for forgiveness
  
  Jesus’ sacrifice has given us the sacrament of Reconciliation
  
  We must be willing to forgive others just as God forgives us
- Four Parts of Reconciliation
  
  The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that the two essential elements of the sacrament of Reconciliation are the human part (through the action of the Holy Spirit) and God’s action (through the intervention of the Church). These two essential elements are encapsulated in the
  
  Four Parts of Reconciliation outlined below.
  
  Contrition: an internal attitude of sorrow and repentance.
  
  Confession: a clear telling of sin for which absolution is requested.
  
  Absolution: the emphasizing the healing power of Jesus.
  
  Satisfaction: performance of penance, reform of life and making amends.