Policy Change for Sacramental Preparation at St. Joseph Parish (May 22, 2016)
Fr. Mike and Teresa McCann (Religious Education Director), in consultation with the Faith Formation Council and the Pastoral Council have made this policy change:
Going forward, students will prepare for and celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation before the celebration of Confirmation and First Eucharist. The policy aligns us with diocesan policy as well as universal Church law. The Sacrament of First Reconciliation will be celebrated in the fall of 2nd Grade and the Sacraments of Confirmation and First Eucharist will be celebrated in the spring of 2nd Grade.
We recognize parents as primary in their child's faith formation and they may best determine at what age their child would prepare for Reconciliation and Confirmation/First Eucharist.
Reconcilation is a beautiful way in which we celebrate God's forgiving love for each of us and our reconciliation with our community of faith. We may
( and do!) sin...yet God always welcomes us back wholeheartedly.
Preparation for Reconciliation is open to anyone who has reached the age of reason. Again, the preparation series includes sessions for parents and children to help deepen each candidate's understanding of the sacrament.