First Reconciliation (Sacrament of Penance)

Unlike Baptism and Confirmation, Reconciliation is a sacrament that can be received as often as one wants, and it strengthens us with grace each time it is received.

In the Sacrament of Reconciliation, the Christian faithful obtain from the mercy of God pardon for their sins. At the same time, they are reconciled with the Church, which they have wounded by their sins and which works for their conversion by charity, example, and prayer (Lumen Gentium, n. 11).

People normally receive their Sacraments in the Parish where they live. However, requests may be made for Reconciliation at Mary Immaculate Church, Waverley. Reconciliation of those who do not live within the Waverley Parish requires permission of the Parish Priest of their local Parish. Your child cannot complete the Sacrament of Reconciliation without permission from your local Parish.

Prerequisites:

Candidates are in Year 2 or above at school.
Attendance Mary Immaculate Church on a regular basis.
Candidates have been baptised and a copy of Baptism Certificate provided with enrolment form if not baptised at St Charles Borromeo Parish.
Attendance at the Information Night by the Candidate and at least one parent/carer is mandatory. Attendance by both parents encouraged.

Key Dates for 2022

Parent Information Evening: Wednesday, 16th February @ 6.30pm via ZOOM
Commitment Mass: Wednesday, 23rd February @ 5:00pm at Mary Immaculate Church Waverley
Sacrament of Reconciliation: Wednesday, 16th March @ 6.30pm at Mary Immaculate Church Waverley

Enrolment

Enrolment closed.

Please note, students at St Charles Primary School may enrol and pay through the School office when Enrolment opens. A copy of the child’s Baptism certificate is required as well as permission from both parents. If you do not attend Mary Immaculate Church on a regular basis or you attend another Parish, you will need to contact the Parish Office. Permission from your local Parish Priest is required with enrolment.

The cost per child is $30 per candidate and is payable at the time of enrolment either to St Charles Primary School and collect your booklet straight away or to Parish Centre during office hours.

No child will ever be denied the opportunity to receive the Sacraments due to financial limitations. Families in difficult financial circumstances should contact the parish office to discuss their situation confidentially.

First Reconciliation Parent Information Night

Children who attend St Charles Primary School will be prepared for their First Eucharist by their school. Parents & Candidates are introduced to the Sacrament and are briefed on working together through the resource material provided. All other candidates not attending St Charles Primary School will be running through their books after the Commitment Mass and to answer any questions you may have.

If your child has extracurricular activities on the days for the preparation classes, please be sure to give the various coaches/instructors notice well ahead of time that your child will be attending the Sacrament Preparation classes on those days. If you have an unavoidable commitment, please contact the Sacraments coordinator so that alternative instruction can be arranged.

First Reconciliation Ceremony

The First Reconciliation Ceremony normally includes a Family Mass followed by individual Reconciliation for the enrolled candidates. This Mass is a special celebration for the candidates and their families to share in. Children are not required to buy special outfits for the Sacrament, however they are required to dress appropriately. A general guide is how they would dress to attend a special occasion. Boys should wear long trousers and a shirt with a collar, no jeans, cargo pants or joggers. Girls should wear a dress, knee length or longer, and no midriffs or bare shoulders.

Please contact the Parish Secretary on (02) 9369 9399 or office@waverleycatholic.org.au if you need any more information.