When we sin, we break our relationship with God and with others. Our selfishness hurts many people. These hurt feelings and the unhappiness they bring may spread to many people in our family and in our community. When we no longer feel God's peace within us we need to make things right again. We need to be reconciled with God and others. Our way of asking forgiveness and celebrating God's healing and peace is called the Sacrament of Reconciliation. In this Sacrament the priest prays with us, listens to us and forgives us in the name of Jesus and in the name of the Christian Community.

Those parents who wish their child to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation prior to their First Holy Communion should contact the Religious Education Office for materials to use with their child. Students in the 5th grade religion classes prepare for the reception of Reconciliation in class and at home. Beginning in October, just before the Reconciliation Parent Meeting, the 5th graders begin bringing home their Reconciliation books and lesson plans to work on a lesson each week at home, in preparation for our Family Reconciliation.

The Sacrament of Reconciliation can be individual or communal. The opportunities for individual Reconciliation are offered each Saturday afternoon at 3:00 pm in the Reconciliation Chapel located just inside the Eucharistic Chapel. If you need to speak to a priest at any other time, Fr. Casey is available by appointment.

Communal Reconciliation celebrations are scheduled during Advent and Lent.

Ordinarily celebrated in grade 5, or whenever parents sense that their child is ready. Call the Religious Education Office at (734) 981-6680.