The Sacrament of Reconciliation: Experiencing God’s Mercy and Forgiveness

The Sacrament of Reconciliation, also known as Confession or Penance, is a powerful encounter with God's boundless mercy and forgiveness. When we approach this sacrament, we not only receive pardon from God for our sins but are also reconciled with the Church, which is affected by our actions. The Church plays a vital role in our journey of conversion, supporting us through acts of charity, prayer, and by setting a good example. Reconciliation restores our relationship with God and heals the bond with the Church community, reminding us of God's infinite love and His desire to welcome us back into His embrace.Following the guidance of our Diocesan Bishop, the Sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Communion are offered to students in Grade 2 and above. These sacraments mark important milestones in the spiritual lives of our children, helping them to understand the significance of God's forgiveness and the grace of receiving Jesus in the Eucharist.

First Reconciliation Registration

We are excited to begin preparations for the Sacrament of First Reconciliation starting in October. Registration is now open for all children who are ready to take this step in their faith journey. You can pick up registration forms at the back of the church or at the parish office. For your convenience, you can also register through this online form.

We encourage all families to take part in this important sacramental preparation, as it lays the foundation for a deeper understanding of God's love and forgiveness. We are here to support you every step of the way and look forward to journeying with your family as your children prepare to experience God's mercy in this beautiful sacrament.

Ongoing Opportunities for Reconciliation

For those who have already received their First Reconciliation and would like to partake in this sacrament regularly, you are welcome to make an appointment with the priest or approach him during the following scheduled times:

• Saturdays at 4:30 p.m. prior to Mass at St. Kevin’s, Val Therese
• Sundays from 11:00 to 11:20 a.m. at Our Lady of Peace, Capreol

We invite everyone to take advantage of these opportunities to experience God's mercy and grace through the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Regular participation in this sacrament, whether you call it Confession, Penance, or Reconciliation, is a beautiful way to maintain a strong, vibrant relationship with God and to receive the spiritual strength needed for our daily lives.

The Holy Eucharist: The Source and Summit of Our Faith

The Holy Eucharist is one of the three sacraments of Christian initiation, alongside Baptism and Confirmation, and it stands at the very center of the Church's life. The Eucharist is not just a ritual or symbol; it is the true presence of Christ among us, the heart and summit of our faith. It is a profound mystery in which we encounter the living God and receive the greatest gift of His love.

The Eucharist is the memorial of Christ’s Passover—the sacrificial offering of His life, death, and resurrection. Through this sacrament, we participate in the saving work that Jesus accomplished for us. When we celebrate the Eucharist, we are not merely recalling a past event; we are entering into the Paschal Mystery itself, which becomes present and active in our lives.

The essential signs of the Eucharistic sacrament are the bread and wine. During the celebration of the Mass, the priest invokes the Holy Spirit to bless these gifts, consecrating them to become the Body and Blood of Christ. Through the power of the Holy Spirit and the words of consecration, the bread and wine are transformed into the true and real presence of Christ. In this way, Jesus Christ, living and glorious, is fully present in the Eucharist. He is not merely symbolically present but is truly there—Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity.

Jesus himself explained this profound mystery in the Gospel of John: "I am the bread that came down from heaven; whoever eats this bread will live forever... Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will remain in them, and they in me." (Jn 6:51, 54, 56) Through the Eucharist, we are invited into a deep, intimate communion with Christ. By receiving His Body and Blood, we are united with Him and drawn into the divine life of the Holy Trinity.

First Communion Preparation

At our parish, the Sacraments of First Eucharist are offered to students in Grade 2 and above as part of their initiation into the Catholic faith. The preparation for the First Eucharist is typically started in February, providing children with the opportunity to receive Jesus for the first time in the most sacred form of the Eucharist.

Before receiving First Communion, children must first participate in the Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession). This important step allows them to experience God’s mercy and forgiveness and to prepare their hearts to receive Christ in the Eucharist. The sequence of these sacraments is intentional, helping children understand the importance of being in a state of grace when they come forward to receive the Body and Blood of Christ.

We are excited to journey with your family as your children prepare to receive these sacraments, deepening their relationship with Jesus and becoming fully initiated members of the Catholic Church. The Holy Eucharist is a gift beyond measure, a sacred encounter with the living God, and we invite all families to participate fully in this beautiful expression of our faith.