At St. Charles Borromeo Parish, we ask that your child experience two years of religious education either through Catholic School education or the parish Catechetical Program prior to celebrating their First Reconciliation. The preparation for this sacrament is separate from the classroom and runs concurrently with your child's second year of religious education. This program is a family preparation program which culminates with the celebration of your child's First Reconciliation during our parish communal celebration of Reconciliation during Advent.
Preparation for First Reconciliation is required as part of preparation for First Communion.
Email our Director of Religious Education for more information or call (636) 946-2916.
Reveal their true identify as beloved children of God. In a fast-changing world, children need to know that they are valued and they are loved.
Shape their values. People take on the values of those they associate with. Join together with the people who strive to follow Jesus' way.
Connect them with many generations. Mass unites people of all ages.
Populate their imaginations with stories of faith. Expose your child to the stories that lead to abundant life.
Fill their hearts with songs that shape their souls. Music has impact. The songs we sing at Mass help us see how god is active in our lives.
Nurture their inner life. Attend to your whole child; don't neglect his/her spiritual self. Worship brings our spiritual selves to life.
Feed them on the journey. Our children will face many challenges in their lives. Jesus offers his very self to them to strengthen, encourage, and free them no matter what comes.
Help them find their true home. God longs for the whole family to gather around the table. In the Eucharist, we realize that we are all one.
Below is a summary of what to do before, during, and after the Sacrament of Reconciliation. If you have trouble remembering what to do, You can also print out this helpful information sheet to bring to confession with you.
Prepare to go to Confession. Before we meet with the priest, we examine our conscience. We spend time praying. We think of our sins. We are sorry for our sins.
Get Greeted by the Priest. Enter the reconciliation room and sit down across from Father. He gives a warm and kind welcome.
Confess Sins and Accept Penance. At this time, we tell our sins to the priest. When we confess our sins, we show that we trust that God always loves us.
Receive Absolution. The priest extends his hands over our head or places his hands on our head as he prays. We say "Amen" when Father is finished praying.
Complete your Penance. Father will give an act of penance to do when you leave the reconciliation room.
Pray the Act of Contrition. Say an Act of Contrition Prayer. This shows we are truly sorry for our sins.