Sacrament of First Penance

Dear Parents,

It’s hard to believe we’re just a few days away from your child celebrating the Sacrament of Reconciliation for the first time. Our hope is that every child comes to know God as a loving and merciful Father who always seeks us out and welcomes us home. If your child is feeling nervous or anxious, please feel free to reach out to me privately.

Thank you for your partnership in your child’s preparation. Over the past few months, we have been preparing together during class time and through the home packet using the Pflaum Publishing “Together in Jesus” Reconciliation materials (purple home preparation folder).

Although classes are cancelled this week due to the blizzard, please continue practicing at home. This week is a great time to review the Act of Contrition and practice a simple examination of conscience together.

As a helpful reminder, I’ve outlined the key points below—and I have attached a practice card for you to use at home.

• 10:45 AM - The service will start promptly at 11 AM.
• Please reverently enter the Church, voices to a minimum.
• Turn off cell phones.
• Please have your son or daughter dress in Sunday best. Please, no sports cheer or dance uniforms.
  
  

SEATING UPDATE

• The children will sit together with their class.
• Bring your son or daughter to the pew marked with their catechist's name:
  Sunday: Ms. Jackie
  Monday Afternoon: Mr. Warren; Monday Evening: Ms. Mary
  Tuesday: Ms. Pat
• All family is invited to attend. One parent is to stay, as your presence is important and comforting as your child prepares to receive this sacrament. Please sit in the open pews behind.
  
  

PRAYER SERVICE

• It contains an opening prayer, a Gospel reading, and a reflection.
• Father Angelito will invite the children to review the Examination of Conscience, and then we will recite the Act of Contrition together.
• A worship aid is provided, and if the children need it, they can use it when they are called to the priest. Please take as you enter the church.
• Children are to receive the sacrament first.
• Parents and other family members are invited to receive the sacrament when all the children are done.
  
  

THE SACRAMENT

• We have priests set up at Confessional stations in the church's four (4) corners.
• A catechist will assist the child as to when to approach the Confessional station.
• Again, parents and other family members are encouraged to receive the sacrament when all the children are finished.
• To respect all privacy, ABSOLUTELY NO PHOTOGRAPHY OR VIDEO RECORDINGS PERMITTED.
• Maintain the integrity of the sacrament. Do not ask your child what was said in the confessional.
  
  

DISMISSAL

• We anticipate the prayer service to be 45 minutes.
• Certificates are handed out in the Narthex at the conclusion.

It is important for me to know if you will not be in attendance, so please email or call the parish office at 732-938-5375. First Penance must be received before your son or daughter's First Holy Communion day.