First Reconciliation
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I tell you, there is rejoicing among the angels of God over one repentant sinner.
Luke 15:10In the sacrament of reconciliation, the Christian faithful obtain
from the mercy of God pardon for their sins.
At the same time, they are reconciled with the Church,
which they have wounded by their sins and which
works for their conversion by charity, example and prayer.
Lumen Gentium, 11
Reconciliation is one of the Sacraments of Healing. It recognises our sinfulness and celebrates our need to be at peace with God, others and ourselves. It contains three elements: conversion, confession and celebration. In it we find God's unconditional forgiveness; as a result, we are called to forgive.
In Baptism, we begin to live as followers of Jesus. We live as his disciples. As Jesus’ disciples, we want to make good choices. The Holy Spirit guides us in making good choices. He is our special helper.
Even when we try to make good choices, sometimes we are tempted. We are tempted to act in ways that hurt ourselves or other people. When we turn away from God’s laws, we sin. Sin hurts our friendship with God.
Jesus wants to forgive our sins. We come to Jesus for forgiveness in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. In this sacrament, we confess our sins to a priest. He forgives us in Jesus’ name. The grace we have lost is given back to us.
From Reconciliation Guide for Children. Accessed 3/9/2021. -
what happens during reconciliation?
We confess during a meeting with a priest, we begin by making a sign of the Cross in order to put ourselves in the presence of the Lord. Then comes the time to confide to the Lord - through the priest - our sins so that He may deliver us from them.
During the exchange, the priest can advise us not to fall again, then he gives forgiveness from God through the prayer of absolution.
The sacrament of reconciliation allows us to start “from scratch”
and continue our journey with the certainty that God is by our side. -
preparation for first reconciliation
In keeping with the guidelines of the Archdiocese of Melbourne,
Holy Trinity Parish offers a Family centered, Parish based and School and Catechist supported sacramental program, with each community having its own distinct contribution which makes it a genuine partnership.
Preparation for First Reconciliation is in first term in Year 3 and is done in partnership with Parents, Parish and Catholic School.
At the three Catholic Schools associated with Holy Trinity Parish, Year 3 students’ preparation for First Reconciliation is supported by the school Religious Education Leaders (REL).
Parents of students not enrolled in the Catholic Schools of Holy Trinity are required to submit the Parish Sacramental Program Enrolment Form and attend the registration information afternoon. For further information contact Donrita Reefman, Pastoral Coordinator [email protected]
The Process of Preparation for First Reconciliation takes the following steps:
Information Afternoon- for children and their families.
A booklet “Reconciliation for Parents and Children” is given to the children and their parents to assist with preparation. Children will be introduced to the Group and Individual Reconciliation.
Student Reflection Day- organised by the three parish schools
Children not enrolled in the parish schools are also encouraged to attend.
Presentation of children to the Parish Community- during weekend Masses. During Mass, children will be presented to the Parish. All are welcome to attend morning tea after Mass.
Celebrating the sacrament of First Reconciliation- arranged in groups of up to fifteen families on Saturday mornings in all three churches; or up to five individually before one of the weekend Masses. Time and day is to be booked through the Schools.
Group celebrations of First Reconciliation for St Peter’s children will be held on the first Saturday of each month;
Group celebrations of First Reconciliation for St Paul’s children will be held on the second Saturday of each month;
Group celebrations of First Reconciliation for St Catherine’s children will be held on the third Saturday of each month.
Individual celebrations of First Reconciliation may be booked before
one of the weekend Masses. Families are expected to come half an hour before Mass. To book, contact the Admin Centre. -
parent's role in preparing children for first reconciliationThe Australian Catholic Bishops’ site has information for parents in preparing for First Reconciliation.
A Reconciliation Guide for Children is a helpful resource for parents to assist their child prepare for the sacrament. It is endorsed by the Australian Catholic Bishops.
The Pictorial Reconciliation Guide may also be useful to assist children during Reconciliation. -
Contact Us
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Donrita Reefmanpacholytrinityparishcam.org.auPastoral Coordinator
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