Reconciliation
It is called the sacrament of Reconciliation, because it imparts to the sinner the love of God who reconciles: “Be reconciled to God.” He who lives by God’s merciful love is ready to respond to the Lord’s call: “Go; first be reconciled to your brother.”
First Holy Communion
It was above all on “the first day of the week,” Sunday, the day of Jesus’ resurrection, that the Christians met “to break bread.” From that time on the Eucharist has been continued everywhere in the Church. CCC 1343
It is called the sacrament of Reconciliation, because it imparts to the sinner the love of God who reconciles: “Be reconciled to God.” He who lives by God’s merciful love is ready to respond to the Lord’s call: “Go; first be reconciled to your brother.”
First Holy Communion
It was above all on “the first day of the week,” Sunday, the day of Jesus’ resurrection, that the Christians met “to break bread.” From that time on the Eucharist has been continued everywhere in the Church. CCC 1343
The Sacrament of First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion are for children in grade 2 and up
Combined Preparation for the Sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion
In September 2018, the Diocese of Calgary updated its practice on Sacrament preparation that all children receiving the Sacrament of First Holy Communion MUST FIRST receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Therefore, preparation for the Sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion is combined in the same school year.
Who should register?
Children in grade 2 and up who had been baptized or made the Profession of Faith in the Catholic Church can register for the Sacrament Preparation Program.
As the preparation for the Sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion is combined, children who have not received the Sacrament of First Holy Communion SHOULD REGISTER FOR BOTH SACRAMENTS.
- Children who have not been prepared for the Sacrament of First Reconciliation, but had received First Holy Communion, can register for the Sacrament of First Reconciliation only. Please indicate on the registration form that your child will only need to take the First Reconciliation portion of the combined preparation and submit your child's First Holy Communion certificate.
Fee
The fee for the combined program is $50; each Sacrament Preparation Program costs $25.
Sessions Schedule
Mass
The best preparation for receiving the Sacraments is regular attendance at Mass. Attending Mass regularly is not only done prior to receiving the Sacraments, but also continually afterwards. Talk to your child about the Mass before you go and at appropriate moments when you are in church together. Link what you have been doing together at home with what is happening at Mass. A hallmark of the Catholic lifestyle is gathering for Sunday Eucharist and striving to live a Christian lifestyle. “The Eucharist is the source and summit of the Christian life” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1324).
Forms
Reconciliation & First Holy Communion Form
First Holy Communion Form
Requirements
- Copy of Baptismal Certificate (No needed if baptized at St. Gabriel The Archangel Parish - Chestermere)
- Copy of Birth Certificate