- Reconciliation is often associated with Communion, but it is closer theologically to the Anointing of the Sick, because both are Sacraments of Healing
- First Reconciliation is sometimes called “First Penance” or “First Confession.”
- Confession, Penance, and Reconciliation are all vital parts of the Sacrament, but we call it “First Reconciliation” to emphasize the celebration of God’s love and mercy which we associate with being reconciled with God.
- Why do children receive the Sacrament in or around the age of 7/8? - The Church considers this age “the age of reason” - in other words, children at this age in general can discern between right and wrong.
- Reconciliation also allows us to be in a state of grace for when we receive Communion, which they will do a short while later.
 
What we teach our children about Reconciliation
- No matter what we do, God always loves us more than we can even imagine and there is nothing we can do that puts us beyond His love.
- A healthy and appropriate understanding of what sin is, i.e. that it has to be a choice we make intentionally, not a mistake or accident.
- God is all goodness, and we were made in God's own image, so we are made to be good too and helps us to do that with His grace.
- When we sin, we distance ourselves from our friendship with God (although He never stops loving us)
- Reconciliation strengthens our friendship with God, helps us to be closer to Him, and gives us the grace we need to do better in the future.

How we celebrate First Reconciliation
- Each 2nd Grade class will be assigned a day during the season of Lent.
- Parents will be given a time to bring their child to church.  
- Children are brought to Church on the assigned day and at the assigned time to receive the Sacrament.  

Please be sure to print out the Parent Guide for 1st Reconciliation that can be found under documents..  

First Communion
- The most important thing for children (and all Catholics!) to understand about the Eucharist is that when the priests says the special prayers of consecration, the host and the wine truly become the Body and Blood of Christ.
- Communion for us is not a sign or a symbol; it is the real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist.
- This is one of the greatest miracles and deepest mysteries of our faith, which no human being can fully understand, so we do not expect the children to completely understand it!
- A recent survey of Catholics showed that almost 70% thought or believed that the the consecrated host and wine are symbols/signs, and only around 30% understood the actual Catholic belief. This makes it even more vital that our next generation understands what we believe about the Eucharist.
- Since this is a difficult teaching for children to understand, we explain that all of the love that Jesus has for each of us is in the Eucharist.
- Since the Eucharist is so sacred, we also emphasize to the children the importance of treating the Host with care, reverence, and respect when we receive it. This means consuming the Host immediately after we receive it.

The Importance of Mass
- Everything we teach in our Religious Education Program presupposes that the child is attending and participating in Mass each Sunday. What we do in the classroom is actually just supplemental, because the Mass and faith practiced in the family is central to a child’s education and formation in the Catholic faith.
- The Mass is also important for First Communion preparation in particular because it gives children a context for understanding what we are teaching them.
- WIthout going to Mass each week a child can not possibly be ready to receive the Sacrament of the Eucharist.

- Q: Will there be a livestream?
- A: We do plan on still livestreaming First Communion Masses. The Mass will be streamed via the St. Joseph Parish Facebook and YouTube accounts as well as on the Parish Website. 
**Please note - due to the nature of Reconciliation, First Reconciliation is not streamed.

- Q: Can we take pictures/videos during First Communion Masses?
- A: At the current time, we do allow you to take pictures or videos during Mass but that may only be done from the pew you are seated in.  There can be no walking around the Church or moving to a different location. You are also given plenty of time for pictures after the Mass. It is expected that everyone will observe appropriate conduct that preserves the sacred nature of the space.   Photos during the reception of the Sacrament of 1st Reconciliation are not permitted.  

- Q: Do children need to wear white for First Communion?
- A: Children do not need to wear white, and we do not really have a dress code as far as clothing color goes. Girls can wear any dress color they wish, and veils are optional.  Flowers may not be carried or worn and gloves are not permitted. 
Boys can wear any color suit, or a jacket and pants. We do ask that boys wear a button down shirt and tie (again, any color). Shoes should be comfortable, but we ask that children do not wear sneakers.

- Q: What do children wear for First Reconciliation?
- A: The dress is not as formal as for First Communion, but children should be dressed as they would for a special occasion of a sacred nature. Girls may wear a dress or blouse and skirt or sweater and slacks, and boys may wear a button down shirt and slacks or a sweater and slacks, just for some examples.  They are coming to a sacred space (Church) to receive a sacred gigft from God.  

- Q: Will children be able to try the host before First Communion?
- A: Yes, we give them the chance to do this at Jesus Day and if time permits, in the classroom. 

- Q: Is there assigned seating for First Communion?
- A: Yes; we will assign each family a pew.  Pews are assigned randomly.  The banner that your child makes at Jesus Day will be hanging from the assigned pew. 

- Q: How long is the Mass for 1st Communion?
- A: First Communion tends to take a little over an hour.  For First Communion, the children who will receive Communion for the first time will be due at the church 30 minutes prior to the start of Mass. 

- Q: Is it important that my child attends First Communion practice?
- A: Yes, this is very important. The practices allow children to run through the Mass, including the procession of the children which begins the Mass. Your child must attend his or her practice as scheduled.