Our program invites and welcomes children in the same way today through the Sacraments.

First Reconciliation for Children

Preparation for First Reconciliation is a two-year program (typically grade 1-2*), with our formal preparation beginning in the 2nd year.

In Grade 1* (or their 1st year of preparation) the child will attend the GIFT program with at least one parent as their preparation for both Reconciliation & First Holy Communion.

In Grade 2* (or their 2nd year of participation) they are further prepared to celebrate the Sacrament of First Reconciliation before participating in Holy Communion, (as required by the Church). In addition to attending the GIFT sessions, the children and parents participate in additional workshops that are focused on the Sacrament of Reconciliation and Jesus’ friendship and love. The approach of making loving choices and God’s love and mercy are the central focus of the program.  The celebration of the Sacrament is a low-pressure, family-based celebration done in small groups. This warm and calm approach offers an experience of God’s merciful love for all.

*This is a typical age for Sacramental preparation but our program accommodates and welcomes all children and teens into age-appropriate Faith Formation for celebrating the Sacraments.

Home Preparation Materials 

Much of the spiritual preparation for the Sacraments is done by the families themselves. The idea of this approach is that parents are the primary educators of their children’s faith. We seek to help families create opportunities to pray, to discuss, and to do activities that nurture their child’s faith.

Liturgical Celebrations

The culmination of this preparation process is the celebration of the Sacraments. The celebration of Reconciliation will be in December/January and the celebration of the Eucharist is in May. It is important that the children view this as just the beginning of celebrating these Sacraments regularly.

We delight in sharing this significant time in your family’s ongoing faith development. We pray you will be enriched in faith by the experience.  For more information please contact the Faith Formation Office at 203-264-5065 or email Ami Conlan.