FIRST PENANCE
GENERAL INFORMATION
Alexis Witiak
Coordinator of Religious Education
610-932-5040
Come and Experience God's Infinite Mercy!
Registration for First Penance is Open!
INFORMATION FOR PARENTS
What is the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation?
"Those who approach the sacrament of Penance obtain pardon from God's mercy for the offense committed against Him, and are, at the same time, reconciled with the Church which they have wounded by their sins and which by charity, by example, and by prayer labors for their conversion" (CCC 1422).
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The sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation, also known as the sacrament of Confession, gives us the opportunity to come to God and repent for the sins we have committed. Through God's infinite mercy, we are forgiven for all offenses we may have committed against Him and against others.
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Confession also presents to us an opportunity to speak with Christ himself. During this sacrament, we are not confessing our sins to the priest, but to God Himself. Through this sacrament, God uses the priest as a vessel to speak to us and to guide us on the right path away from sin.
Why Do We Need To Go To Confession?
The Church teaches that as Catholics, we should go to Confession at least once a year. However, because sin breaks our relationship with God, we should strive to go to Confession more often. When we go to Confession, we receive grace from the Holy Spirit to overcome temptation and stay away from sin in our lives. Make going to Confession a good habit so you can continue to strengthen your relationship with Christ!
GENERAL INFORMATION
Mandatory Retreat
Saturday, February 24th at 10:00am
*Students only*
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First Penance and Reconciliation Service Saturday, March 2nd at 10:00am
*All family members are welcome to go to Confession after the children have gone.*
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Dress Code
Because the children are receiving the sacrament in the House of the Lord and are speaking directly with Christ, we would like for students to dress in a more professional manner.
Gentlemen are to wear nice slacks or khakis, a polo or button down shirt, and nice dress shoes.
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Ladies are to wear nice slacks, a dress, or a skirt with a nice shirt.
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Please no jeans, graphic t-shirts, or flip flops.
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If you have any questions, please contact Alexis Witiak at faithformation@sacredheart.us
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How Can I Help My Child Prepare for This Sacrament?
1) SET AN EXAMPLE AND GO TO CONFESSION
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As a parent, you are your child's first teacher so go to confession and set the example for your child. Teach your child that routinely going to confession is a great way to not only strengthen your Faith, but also strengthen the relationship you have with God. Confession doesn't have to be a scary experience! God does not care about how long it has been since you last went. He is happy you are growing closer to Him and striving to strengthen your relationship with Him. If you would like to have a private meeting/confession with Father Shenosky, please call the office to schedule an appointment.
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2) REVIEW CHAPTER POWERPOINT SLIDES
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Take the time to work with your child and review the PowerPoint presentations located under the Important Documents tab. Each PowerPoint coincides with a certain chapter in your child's PREP book.
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3) HELP YOUR CHILD LEARN THE ACT OF CONTRITION AND BASIC PRAYERS
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An aid created for the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation with the Act of Contrition can be found under the Important Documents tag on this page. Take the time to review it with your child so they will be able to say it during their confession time.
Please also review the Examination of Conscience with your child to help them reflect on what sins they may have committed.
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4) WATCH A KID'S GUIDE TO THE SACRAMENT OF PENANCE WITH YOUR CHILD
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Please watch the YouTube video, A Kid's Guide to the Sacrament of Penance, created by The Well, which can be found below the Important Documents tab. This video answers many questions your child may have about receiving the sacrament.
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IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS
VIDEO: A KID'S GUIDE TO THE SACRAMENT OF PENANCE
The tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to listen to him, but the Pharisees and scribes began to complain, saying,
“This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.”
So to them he addressed this parable.
“What man among you having a hundred sheep and losing one of them would not leave the ninety-nine in the desert and go after the lost one until he finds it?And when he does find it, he sets it on his shoulders with great joy and, upon his arrival home, he calls together his friends and neighbors and says to them, ‘Rejoice with me because I have found my lost sheep.’ I tell you, in just the same way there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous people who have no need of repentance."
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(Luke 15:1-7)
a note about
photography
The sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation is a very important encounter between those receiving the sacrament and Christ Himself. Because of this, PHOTOGRAPHY AND VIDEOGRAPHY OF ANY KIND IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED.