November 2011

 

Dear Parent,

The Sacrament of Reconciliation is an important part of our lives as Catholics living together as a community.  It is the sacrament of forgiveness and peace.  Through reconciliation we are filled with the strength and grace to become the people we are called to be, the People of God.

Preparing children for the Sacrament of Reconciliation is an impotant element in their spiritual formation.  As parents, you have the awesome responsibility of helping your child form a good conscience, distinguish between right and wrong, good and evil.  It is through your efforts that your child establishes a system of values and a code of morality.   It is through your lives that they come to understand forgiveness.  It is by witnessing your faith in Christ that your child comes to know Jesus.

We are happy to assist you in  preparing your child for reconciliation, but their appreciation for this sacrament comes primarily from you.  You, as parents, are the ones from whom your child learns most of their religious attitudes and values.

As part of the parish preparation, I invite you to a PARENT/CHILD EVENING.  All families with a student in 5th grade are invited to attend this evening.  If you have a younger child in 2nd-4th grades who you would like to receive First Reconciliation you are welcome to prepare them at the same time.  Please notify the Faith Development office before November 18th if you intend to prepare more than your 5th grade student.

At this meeting you will receive materials, information and suggestions for family involvement in the preparation process.  During this session we will also share prayer and try to renew and deepen our own appreciation of this wonderful sacrament.

 

IMPORTANT DATES

  PARENT/CHILD EVENING
NOVEMBER 28, 2011
6:00PM IN CHURCH
(It is necessary for an adult to attend with the child)

    FIRST RECONCILIATION  CELEBRATIONS

Thursday, January 19, 2012 @ 6:00pm
Thursday, February 9, 2012 @ 6:00pm

(Please be prepared to choose one of these dates at the Parent/Child Evening)

 There is a $10.00 Sacrament Stipend per student for the Sacrament of Reconciliation.  Faith Development families can pay this stipend at the Parent/Child evening or with their tuition payment.  St. John school families have already paid this stipend.

 

I look forward to meeting you.  I am happy to share this special time in your child's life with you and your family.

 

Yours in Christ,

Vicki Van Vreede

Faith Development Coordinator, Grades 5-8