First Holy Communion and Reconciliation

DIOCESAN POLICY

In a recent communication from the Catholic Diocese of Richmond, we were given the required Diocesan policies for the sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion. The Basilica of St. Andrew is in compliance with these general principles and policies that have been mandated. Participation in the sacraments is a shared responsibility of parents, catechists, and the church itself, which is the assembly of believers united in Christ. The following is a general overview of how this process occurs within our parish. In the event that your young person has not completed preparation and/or received a particular sacrament, and you are concerned, you should contact the assigned coordinator. It is your responsibility to contact these individuals for further instructions.

FIRST RECONCILIATION and FIRST HOLY COMMUNION - Children preparing for these sacraments should be concurrently enrolled in Sunday morning Christian Formation, or at Roanoke Catholic School. Preparation for sacraments is offered in addition to the above mentioned faith formation. Please see Christian Formation calendar for specific dates. According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church "Children must go to the sacrament of Penance before receiving Holy Communion for the first time." (CCC 1457) Readiness for children to begin preparation for these sacraments is determined in part by: 
      
(For Reconciliation)

• Has been baptized
• Has reached the age of reason (7 years old)
• Can distinguish between right and wrong
• Can distinguish between mistakes and accidents
• Is able to express sorrow for sin
• Has the ability to forgive others
• Prays at home and at Mass
• Is able to relate to Jesus as one who forgives

(For First Holy Communion)

• Has been baptized
• Has reached the age of reason (7 years old)
• Is interested in receiving the sacrament
• Feels like they belong to the Catholic community
• Participates in Sunday Mass
• Prays at home and at Mass
• Has the ability to relate to Jesus as one who loves
• Has prepared for and received the Sacrament of Reconciliation

• Chapter 1 – (Was done at home with families.)
• Chapter 2 –Discusses how God sent Jesus to be our Savior. Introduces the sacraments of initiation, as well as the concept of the sacrament of reconciliation. 
• Chapter 3 – Importance of forgiveness; types of sin
  Do 2 worksheets with the children:  
  • N (Learning Reinforcement Chapters 1-2)
  • D (Accident or Sin?)

• Session 2 (November 14     8:45–11:00 am)

  • Chapter 4 – Introducing the sacrament.
  • Chapter 5 – Examination of Conscience; the act of confession.
  • Use “Examination of Conscience” on pages 66-67.
  • Do these worksheets: 
    • O (Learning Reinforcement Chapters 3-4)
      • “We Confess Our Sins”, which gives the children opportunity to focus on specific sins, rather than just ‘being bad.’  Please go over the words in the Word Bank, but send it home for them to do the actual word search.
      • Send the 3^rd worksheet (“Act of Contrition”) home with the children – don’t do that one in class.
        
        

• Session 3 (November 24     8:45 am–12:30 pm)

  • Chapter 6 – Growing in faith through the sacrament.                     

  • Review any concepts from chapters 4 & 5 that you think the children are struggling with.    
    Do these worksheets/activities:

    • P (Learning Reinforcement Chapters 5-6)
    • “I Follow Good Advice” 
    • “Steps to a Good Confession” – review then send home
    • “My Own Reconciliation Book” (purple), review if time, and send home
      

• First Reconciliation Service and Celebration (December 5    10:00 am-12:00 pm)

Public URL to Sacramental Prep Calendar:
Google Calendar
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Sacramental Photography Policy: The Basilica of Saint Andrew has a policy that does not allow professional photographers to take pictures of First Communions during Mass. We want our parishioners to fully experience the sacred nature of the Mass and the reception of the sacrament without the distraction of a photographer present. You are welcome to do pictures after Mass either in the Church or on the Church grounds.