• Reconciliation (First Confession)

  -Examination of Conscience for Kids: Examination of Conscience for Kids
  -Help them learn their 10 Commandments: 10 Commandments
  -Practice the Act of Contrition: 

  My God,
  I am sorry for my sins with all my heart.
  In choosing to do wrong
  and failing to do good,
  I have sinned against you
  whom I should love above all things.
  I firmly intend, with your help,
  to do penance,
  to sin no more,
  and to avoid whatever leads me to sin.
  Our Savior Jesus Christ suffered and died for us.
  In his name, my God, have mercy.
  AMEN

   

  -Practice together HOW?  

  How to Go to Confession: A Step by Step Guide

• Enter the confessional and greet the priest.

  Begin by making the sign of the cross and say “Bless me, Father, for I have sinned. It’s been [however many days/months/years] since my last confession.” 

• List your sins.

  Mention venial (everyday) sins and mortal sins, which are more serious. Try to be thorough, but it’s OK if you don’t remember every single sin. It may be more of a conversation, as the priest may ask questions or comment. It doesn’t have to be a non-stop laundry list of sins. When you’re done, conclude by saying “I’m sorry for these and all my sins.” 

• Listen to the priest.

  When you’re done confessing your sins, the priest may offer some guidance and suggest ways to avoid sins in the future. He’ll then give you a penance, which could be a form of prayer, a service or some work of mercy. Often, you’ll be able to complete your penance while still at church. 

• Pray the Act of Contrition.

• Receive absolution from God, via the priest. 

  The priest will say the following prayer to absolve you of your sins: God, the Father of mercies, through the death and the resurrection of His Son has reconciled the world to Himself and sent the Holy Spirit among us for the forgiveness of sins; through the ministry of the Church may God give you pardon and peace, and I absolve you from your sins in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. 
  Make the sign of the cross and say with AMEN.  

• Depart and fulfill your act of penance.

• Eucharist (First Holy Communion)

  WHAT TO WEAR (See pictures above)
  -Girls:  White/Off-white clothing with nothing covering hands or face.  Please leave all things that will be distractions with parents.
  -Boys: White shirt/dress pants 
  *All children will be seated in the front of the Church
  
  Mark your Calendars:
  May 1 & 8: 1st Reconciliation
  May 11/12 Masses:  1st Communicants will be concecrated to Mary and be presented a Marion medal by their mother.
  May 15: Mass rehearsal
  May 19: First Communion Masses (10:30am/English & 12:30pm/Spanish) 

Children 2nd- 6th grades:
For a child to be eligible to receive First Eucharist, the family must be a registered member of St. Peter Catholic Church.      

In addition, these requirements must be met:
1. A child must be in 2nd grade and have reached the age of reason (7 years old).
2. Children must be in their second consecutive year of religious instruction.
3. A baptismal record is necessary if not baptized at our parish.
4. Attendance at weekly Mass is an integral part of the preparation process for this sacrament.
5. Completed all First Reconciliation home study/prep lessons (Fall/workbook).
6. Must attend all First Eucharist home study prep lessons (Spring/workbook) & the First Eucharist Retreat (May).
7. An interview to confirm a child’s readiness to receive First Eucharist is conducted in the Spring.