Saint John Paul II Parish, Faith Formation Ministry
                             2023-2024    First Reconciliation Schedule (more dates to be announced) 
 
Parent Meeting:                             Sunday, December 10th                For all parents of a child making First Reconciliation 
 
Book Distributions:                        Sunday, January 7th                    At Home students will need to pick up books, all others will
                                                                                                             be passed out during class
 
Parent/Child Session                  Sunday, February 4th                   For every child to attend with a parent or family member
                                                                                                             during class time 10:15 AM to 11:30 AM
 
Artwork for Service Program:        Sunday, February 25th                Give to Mrs. Lindstrom, Miss Hull or
    (Optional)                                                                                                                Email quality photo to Mrs. Stoklosa
 
Rehearsal Date:                              Sunday, March 3rd                      during class 10:15 AM to 11:30 AM
At Home Program Parents - child ONLY needed, but of course you are welcome to stay & watch!
 
Rehearsal Date for SCS:                Week of March 4th-8th                 during class
 
First Reconciliation Service:       March 13, 2024                               6:30PM
                                                       The Reconciliation Service will be held at ST. MARY'S OF THE LAKE 

First Reconciliation Preparation Information:
All preparation for the Reconciliation will be done at home using BLESSED books.  The chapters are wonderfully written, the illustrations are outstanding as well the Sessions contain engaging online videos.    When we distribute the books, you will also receive a parent Handbook on how to cover the workbook.  The handbook will guide you through each Session with a few discussion points, indications on when to watch each video (all found online as noted in the handbook).  
 
For the at home books, You are given a guide to follow to complete the sessions, but feel free to do your own thing as long as your child has completed everything before their Sacrament rehearsal.   You will be contacted by email when the BLESSED books will be coming home.

BLESSED    AT HOME OUTLINE – Just a guide
The At Home Schedule is a guide, no matter how fast or slow you move through the BLESSED book, please be sure that your child has completed all Chapters before March 3rd.  We know that a lot of pressure has been placed on parents and students, so if you are struggling, please contact [email protected] and communicate your situation, we are always here to help!
     BLESSED    AT HOME OUTLINE – Just a guide
            Chapter 1                    January 7th
            Chapter 2                    January 21st
            Chapter 3                    February 4th
            Chapter 4                    February 11th
            Chapter 5                    February 25th
            Chapter 6                    March 3rd                

Prayers
  • will be reinforcing the Act of Contrition in class, Act of Contrition does NOT need to be memorized
LINKS to Handouts from the Parent Meeting:
   Artwork instructions (Optional)
   Script for acting our Confession
   Important Things to Know to Receive Reconciliation
   Examination of Conscience for Children and Adults

Clothes
  • Boys – button down or polo shirt, suits, dress pants or khaki’s are good too. 
  • Girls – dresses, dress pants, blouses & sweaters. 
  • Purple would be the color to wear, it represents penance, preparation, and sacrifice.

The day of First Reconciliation at St. Mary’s of the Lake: 
  • The banner will mark the pew. (made during Parent/child session)
  • Your child and sits with you. 
  • We will so a service and communal prayer service.
  • An usher will direct your child to a priest.  The priests will be situated throughout the Church (most are visible, one available in a closed confessional). 
  • Our ushers select the priest your child will see so that we are able to keep the flow going and everyone gets home before bedtime.
  • Parents may escort their child to the priest and then wait a distance away so they can’t hear what is said.
  • When Confession is complete, child returns to their pew, immediately the child kneels and says an after confession prayer and any assigned prayer penance.
  • This is a sacred and prayerful occasion, please refrain from talking while all confessions are taking place.
  • Once all the First Reconciliation children have made their confessions, then any parents or family members may go to confession.
  • If your child/family has gone to confession and their penance prayers have been said, you are free to leave.