Reconciliation

Although we are fashioned in the image of God, we are very capable of marring that sacred image. We can isolate ourselves and tear the fabric of God's loving plan for us. There is a season for turning back that doesn't follow a calendar but a divine call for conversion.

The Sacrament of Reconciliation is a celebration of returning and healing. Individual celebration is commonly scheduled on Saturdays (see the Home page for the current schedule) or by personal appointment. During the seasons of Advent and Lent, communal celebrations of the sacrament are available throughout the Cape Fear Deanery.

First Reconciliation Preparation is a program designed to prepare children for this healing and forgiving encounter with Christ. All children who wish to receive First Eucharist prepare first for the sacrament of Reconciliation. Preparation includes parent and parent/child sessions, an interview, and participation in a communal Reconciliation Service celebrated in the late Fall.

For information on First Reconciliation for children, see First Reconciliation Preparation.

First Reconciliation Preparation

Diocesan guidelines state that children who have been baptized in the Catholic Church are to be involved in a catechetical process for at least a year prior to formal preparation for these sacraments.

First Reconciliation preparation is designed to prepare them for this healing and forgiving encounter with Christ. All children who wish to receive First Eucharist prepare first for the sacrament of Reconciliation.

Preparing your child for the sacraments is a partnership between family and parish. The National Directory for Catechesis requires that parents also take an active part in the child's formation. Families can enroll their child in the Children's Faith Formation program for preparing and celebrating the sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist (First Communion) as second graders, if they have been a part of the parish faith formation process in the year prior.

The preparation process at Immaculate Conception Church involves participation in our Children's Faith Formation program, parish wide faith formation gatherings, attendance at parent and parent/child workshops, and completing required materials at home.

Sacrament preparation for First Reconciliation / First Eucharist involves:

• Participation in parish life, particularly regular attendance at the weekend Liturgy
   
• Participation in parish wide faith formation gatherings
   
• Participation in parish parent and child sacrament preparation sessions (approximately two in the fall, two in the spring)

First Reconciliation is usually scheduled during the fall and is normally celebrated at a parish communal Reconciliation Service.

We delight in sharing this significant time in your family's ongoing faith formation and pray that you will be enriched by your experience. For more information, please contact the Children's Faith Formation Coordinator.

Those who wish to share in this ministry as a sacrament preparation catechist for the workshops, a refreshment volunteer, or a retreat assistant are asked to contact the Children's Faith FOrmation COordinator.