The Catholic Church believes the Sacrament of Reconciliation is a graced opportunity for us to celebrate God’s forgiveness. The Sacrament calls us to a true sorrow for the sins we have committed, along with an intention to repair our lives and our relationships with God and our community.
The Diocese of Rochester has created a special website at http://forgiven.dor.org/to explain the Sacrament and offer “how to’s.” Or view this short video from Ascension Presents. Have life events kept you from the Church? Catholics Come Home may answer some of your questions and concerns.
To prepare for the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation we need to understand the two main types of sins and their impact on our lives and our relationship with God. Within our diocese all sacramental preparation is a two-year process.
Preparation for children to receive the Sacrament is usually around the age of 7, the age of reason (when a child knows right from wrong). Children must have completed a year of Family Faith Formation (1st grade or higher), and be enrolled in Family Faith Formation for grade 2 (or higher), in addition to enrolling in the preparation for Penance & Reconciliation in the year in which it is sought. (Parents have the responsibility of registering children for Family Faith Formation from grades 1-8. Registration of children earlier allows for learning in simple terms about our loving God, His plan for salvation through major Bible stories and simple prayers and practices of our faith.) Classes are usually held in the Fall and their parent(s) are encouraged to attend the classes with them. This sacrament precedes Holy Eucharist. All children wishing to receive Sacraments must be enrolled and actively participating in the Family Faith Formation program or attending a Catholic school. For more information on First Reconciliation, check out these brochures from our diocese. Contact Patty for more information.
- “A Guide for Parents, First Penance Preparation”
- First Reconciliation Frequently Asked Questions
- Registration for RECONCILIATION
Preparation for adults: The Rite of Christian Initiation is for adults who have never received any of the Sacraments of the Catholic Church, or only received some of the Sacraments of the Church, have been away from The Church for a long time, or are curious about the Catholic faith with the possibility of converting. Contact any of the parish staff to learn more.
“Those who approach the sacrament of Penance obtain pardon from God’s mercy for the offense committed against him, and are, at the same time, reconciled with the Church which they have wounded by their sins and which by charity, by example, and by prayer labors for their conversion.” (CCC 1422)