14Feb

How do I know my child is ready to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation for the first time?

Posted by: Tony Carbrello

A child must be baptized, has reached the age of reason (normally considered to be seven years of age), and has been properly formed in faith (participating in faith formation and preparation for this sacrament). A child needs to know and understand: The difference between right and wrong. That accidents or mistakes are not sins. […]

14Feb

What does one wear (clothing) for Reconciliation?

Posted by: Tony Carbrello

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Typically, clothing worn for Reconciliation is either what you might wear for Church, or may be anything respectable. When a child receives the Sacrament of Reconciliation for the first time, having the child dress up in “Sunday best” helps punctuate the importance of receiving the sacrament. This is a special event in the faith journey […]

14Feb

Can anyone bring anything into the Sacrament of Reconciliation?

Posted by: Tony Carbrello

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Yes. Children receiving Reconciliation for the first time are encouraged to bring in papers with prayers and other materials that we recommend at: https://billericacatholic.org/firstreconciliation#resources Several Catholic apps offer examination of consciences, prayer aids, and other resources for adults and teens, which you are welcome to use.

14Feb

How can I help my child if they are feeling nervous?

Posted by: Tony Carbrello

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It is quite natural to be excited as well as nervous to experience this next step in their journey of faith. Some children become more nervous than others. If you feel your child is a bit more anxious, consider having your child write on the back of their “My First Confessions Printable” (or any paper) […]

14Feb

Does someone have to receive Reconciliation face-to-face with the priest?

Posted by: Tony Carbrello

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Typically, everyone will be able to choose how they receive the sacrament of Reconciliation, as well as the priest to whom they go. They can receive face-to-face or they can go to confession anonymously, which means that the person behind an opaque screen (the person is heard but not seen). It is often recommended that […]

14Feb

How can I encourage my child to continue to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation in the future, after their First Reconciliation?

Posted by: Tony Carbrello

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Plan a family party or special dinner to celebrate your child’s first reconciliation. By acknowledging the importance of this event, you convey its value into the future. During this time of preparation, you are talking with your child about what constitutes a sin. Continue these conversations as your child grows older. As a family, plan […]

14Feb

Are my sins really forgiven?

Posted by: Tony Carbrello

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If you have sincerely confessed your sins and the priest speaks the words of absolution, you have been forgiven! You hear the words of absolution and know/see the priest extend his hand to pray over you. You are free to start fresh! After we complete the conversation with the priest we go and complete our […]

14Feb

Won’t the priest remember what I said? I’m embarrassed and don’t want him to think badly of me.

Posted by: Tony Carbrello

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The priest’s purpose is not to keep a check-list on people, but to be an instrument of Christ in receiving someone’s sorrow, bringing forgiveness and helping the people move forward. A priest hears a large number of confessions. He is not there to judge the person, but rather to listen, and to offer counsel and […]

14Feb

Can the priest tell anyone my sins?

Posted by: Tony Carbrello

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No. A priest can never reveal the sins a person has confessed. This is known as the “Seal of confession,” which admits of no exceptions (CCC 1467). If a priest were to violate the seal of confession he would be automatically excommunicated (CIC 1388). Over the centuries several priests have died and many have been […]

14Feb

What if I feel nervous about going to the sacrament?

Posted by: Tony Carbrello

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Remember, first, that in the sacrament you are fundamentally talking to God through the priest. God loves you, wishes to forgive you, and desires to embrace you with the joy with which the prodigal son was embraced in Jesus’ parable (Luke 15:11-32). Moreover, know that you will not say anything that the priest has not […]

14Feb

Why do I need to go to Reconciliation?

Posted by: Tony Carbrello

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For some Christians, it is not that we “have to”, but we “get to” – in fact, the Sacrament of Reconciliation and the ability of the Church to forgive sins has brought many Christians into full communion with the Catholic Church! Every time we sin, we hurt ourselves, other people and God. The Sacrament of […]