First Reconciliation

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.
  • 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.

Enrolment

Download here – Enrolments 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 $20 per candidate and is payable at the time of enrolment either to the Parish Centre during office hours, or at the Parent Information Night. 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.

Key Dates

First Reconciliation Parent Information Night: Wednesday, 5 February 2020 at 6:00pm

First Reconciliation Ceremony Sessions: (see below letter for group allocation)

  • Session 1: Wednesday 5th August @ 6.30pm 
  • Session 2: Wednesday 12th August @ 6.30pm
  • Session 3: Wednesday 19th August @ 6.30pm

First Reconciliation Information Night

Children who attend St Charles Primary School will be prepared for their First Reconciliation by their school. On this night, Parents and 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 need to complete their booklet at home and attend the Commitment Mass. During this time, if there are any questions about their booklet, they can see the Parish Priest.

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.

Due to COVID-19 your Child’s Sacrament of Penance was unfortunately cancelled in Term 1. Father Bernie & St Charles Primary were able to reschedule the children’s Sacrament adhering to the Government’s current guidelines in churches (for those that had already enrolled in February).

The Sacrament of Penance will now occur in Term 3 over three Wednesday night sessions to ensure adequate distancing in the church. These sessions will take place on Wednesday 5th August, 12th August and 19th August each at 6.30pm.

Session 1: Wednesday 5th August @ 6.30pm 
Session 2: Wednesday 12th August @ 6.30pm
Session 3: Wednesday 19th August @ 6.30pm

Please note: we will be unable to change your allocated date due to maintaining the designated number for each ceremony. Groups have been organised in alphabetical order. Please see the letter below for allocated groups and seating. 

Click here for First Reconciliation Ceremony letter

Sadly we have to restrict numbers for each celebration to parents and siblings only, no other relatives to ensure we adhere to all guidelines, thank you. Please arrive and be seated by 6:20pm.

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

Back To Top