Reconciliation and First Communion
Contact:
Nicole Garcia
Secretary, Faith Formation
ngarcia@n-bvm.org
505-340-0421
Francesca Twiss
Director, Faith Formation
ftwiss@n-bvm.org
505-340-0428
Reconciliation and First Communion are very important Sacraments. They are the Sacraments that we are privileged to be able to receive constantly throughout our lives. The Sacraments of Reconciliation and Communion allow us the ability to ask for God's forgiveness and mercy, then to unify ourselves to Him through His Precious Body and Blood. The ability to receive these Sacraments, and receive them well, helps sustain us through our journey here on earth.
The purpose of our Reconciliation classes is to teach the love and mercy of God. The purpose of Reconciliation, the proper way to go to Confession, and the reason that we need regular Confession are a few of the topics covered.
First Communion classes teach children that the Eucharist, and the Eucharist within the Mass, is the pinnacle of our Faith. Parts of the Mass, how to receive Communion, and what exactly it is that we believe about Communion and Christ's real presence within it are some of the many topics covered.
Why We Ask Parents to Attend Class
Parental presence in the class is important for several reasons. It helps teachers with attendance and behavior, which is especially important since these are sacramental years. It helps to have an adult family member with the child in class to help answer questions and clarify things for them. A child may feel too uncomfortable to ask in front of a class, but they will speak with a parent or family member.
The most important reason we ask parents or an adult to participate is because parents are the primary catechists for their children. Paragraphs 2223 and 2226 of The Catechism of the Catholic Church (the book that summarizes all that the Church teaches and we as Catholics believe) states:
“ Parents have the first responsibility for the education of their children. They bear witness to this responsibility first by creating a home where tenderness, forgiveness, respect, fidelity, and disinterested service are the rule. … Parents have a grave responsibility to give good example to their children. Education in the faith by the parents should begin in the child’s earliest years… Family catechisms precedes, accompanies, and enriches other forms of instruction in the faith. Parents have the mission of teaching their children to pray and to discover their vocation as children of God.”
For this very important reason we ask that families participate fully in the catechesis of their children.
Our two sessions are Sundays from 10:45am to 12:15pm and Wednesdays from 6pm to 7:30pm.
We end registrations after September 30th for all sacramental classes.
Reconciliation
What is Reconciliation?
Describe the item or answer the question so that site visitors who are interested get more information. You can emphasize this text with bullets, italics or bold, and add links.How old do you have to be to receive your Reconciliation?
A student cannot begin the program until they are in the 2nd grade. They may start later, but not earlier.
Why is Reconciliation Important?
Describe the item or answer the question so that site visitors who are interested get more information. You can emphasize this text with bullets, italics or bold, and add links.Can I receive my First Communion without Reconciliation?
No. To receive Communion, one needs to be in a state of grace. In other words, have confessed any sin that they may have commited to repair their relationship with God.
The one exception to this is our brothers and sisters that go through the OCIA process and are unbaptized. Since they will receive their Baptism right before they Receive their First Communion and Confirmation, they do not need to go to Confession. The Baptism wipes away all sin. BUT, during their period of Mystagogy (a year after they receive their other Sacraments) they will learn about Reconciliation and then receive their First Reconciliation at that time.
First Holy Communion
What is First Holy Communion?
" Holy Communion, the reception of the Body and Blood of Christ in the Eucharist. More generally, our fellowship and union with jesus and other baptized Christians in the Church , which has its sourse and summit int he celebration fo the Eucharist. In this sense, Church as communion is the deepest vocation of the Church. -Catechism of the Catholic Church Glossary
Do I need my Godparents when I receive my First Communion?
No. Some parishes do ask the Godparents to stand up with their Goodchildren during the Mass, but Nativity does not do this. But, it would be a wonderful idea to invited the Godparents to be an integral part of the preperation for First Communion! And of course, they are always welcome to be at the Mass to watch you receive this very special sacrament.
How old do I have to be to make my First Communion?
Per Archdiocesan policy, a child can be no younger than 3rd grade to receive the sacrament. You can, however, be in 11th grade to go through the regular classes for both First Communion and Confirmation.
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