First Reconciliation

Saturday, January 21st was a beautiful celebration for the sacrament of First Reconciliation for many of our children!  On a beautiful, sunny day, 37 of our students received the sacrament for the first time.  The children arrived with their families, looking excited for the day’s special prayer service and sacrament.  Each child received a red heart upon arrival, signifying the sins they were bringing to confession.  Our prayer service then opened with a song, a scripture reading and a reflection from Fr. Tim.  We then enjoyed involving the children in a short skit to remind them that while our sin may distance us from God, in the sacrament of Reconciliation we are always brought near to our loving Heavenly Father again.  After the children finished receiving the Sacrament of Reconciliation, each child traded their red heart for a white one, signifying that Jesus had forgiven and washed away all of their sins and they had a fresh start!  After stopping to say their prayers at our special penance station, each child lit their own votive prayer candle, to remind them of the light of Christ and that Jesus is always with them when they pray.  It was so wonderful to see the joy and lightheartedness on the children’s faces as they left the confessional to light their candles.  We give a big thank you to our priests and our volunteers who made the day possible.  Fr. Tim, Fr. Marcus and Fr. Allen heard the children’s confessions and two amazing volunteers assisted us inside the church during the service to help keep things flowing smoothly.  Two more students will be receiving their First Reconciliation later this month.  Please join us in thanking our volunteers and congratulating all of our students and families!