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 2021

Parent Information Evening: Wednesday, 3rd February @ 6.30pm via ZOOM Meeting (link received after enrolment)
2021 Year 2 classes Sacrament of Reconciliation: Wednesday, 17th March @ 6.30pm
2021 Year 3 classes Sacrament of Reconciliation: Wednesday, 24th March @ 6.30pm

Due to COVID 19 this year we had to postpone all of our Sacramental Celebrations to 2021. Our Sacramental programmes have changed slightly to allow parents and students to work together to further develop their understanding of the Sacraments.

Enrolment

Enrolment is now closed and at capacity.

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 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 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.

A reminder this year, that the Parent Information Night will be via Zoom meeting at 6:30pm on Wednesday, 4 February 2021. Link to Zoom meeting is sent to you once you have enrolled at St Charles Primary.

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.