The Sacrament of Reconciliation

RECONCILIATION – INTRODUCTION

 

“(The Sacrament of Reconciliation) is called the sacrament of conversion because it makes sacramentally present Jesus’ call to conversion, the first step in returning to the Father from whom one has strayed by sin.”   (CCC 1423)

 

“(The Sacrament of Reconciliation) is called the sacrament of forgiveness, since by the priest’s sacramental absolution God grants the penitent pardon and peace.”  (CCC 1424)

 

As children reach the age of reason, the Church extends to them an invitation to join with the parish community in the celebration of the Sacrament of Reconciliation – the Gift of Peace. Initiated into the Christian community at Baptism, the children are now called to prepare for the Sacrament of God’s loving mercy.

 

We are all sinners, and we need the strength offered to us in the form of the Sacrament of Reconciliation for our faith journey. Baptism calls us to live in relationship with God and with others. When we sin, we harm that relationship. Making use of the Sacrament helps us to turn away from sin and live more and more in the image of Christ.

 

 

RECONCILIATION – CATECHESIS

 

The personal witness of parents and catechists to their own belief in the forgiving love of Jesus is of primary importance in the catechesis of children for this Sacrament. Children learn much more through example than they do from abstract explanations. Witnessing their family regularly participate in the Sacrament of Reconciliation and gradually participating in the penitential rites of the Eucharist are critical parts of the preparation process. Parents should be teaching their children at an early age what forgiveness is and what it means by offering forgiveness to them in the daily events of their lives.

 

Focus should be given to the Sacrament as a process of growing in God’s love that will continue throughout life. The manner in which children are taught about moral growth and prepared for Reconciliation helps them enter into and experience the mystery more fully. This preparation should provide both children and parents with:

1. an understanding of sin and repentence

2. an understanding of how to properly form one's conscience

3. an appreciation of the love and mercy which is extended through th Sacrament

   

RECONCILIATION – POLICIES  

1. As children reach the age of reason or discretion (usually considered age seven), they are to be prepared for and encouraged to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation whether they are in a school or parish religious education program.   Immediate preparation for the first reception of Reconciliation should be appropriate and meaningful for the child’s level of understanding.

2. Parents have a right and responsibility to be intimately involved in the preparation of children for this Sacrament. Parent programs must continue to be offered by all parishes to assist parents in carrying out this right and responsibility. Parent programs should aim at helping the parents grow in their own understanding and appreciation of Reconciliation, as well as enabling them to participate readily in catechizing their children. These programs should include an adult presentation of the theology and experience of reconciliation, along with the study of sin and moral development. Programs on these topics should be offered regularly in the parish to provide the opportunity for parents to deepen their understanding for themselves and for their children as they mature. An explanation of how the parent will assist in the preparation of their children for this Sacrament should also be given.  Sensitivity should be shown to single parents, those in mixed marriages, those who have participated in previous programs, and parents of the handicapped. 

3. The principle of individual readiness must be respected. Sound pastoral theology emphasizes that the reception of any Sacrament may be neither forced nor refused to those suitably prepared for it. In practice, this means that not all children are ready for a Sacrament at the same time. Sensitive to each child’s development, the parents, pastor, and the catechists should be in dialogue with each other in determining when the child is ready to celebrate the Sacrament. 

4. Should the pastor have reason to believe that the preparation for First Reconciliation is inadequate, an interview to discuss this concern should be arranged with the family.

5. First Sacramental Reconciliation should precede the first reception of the Eucharist. 
   
   “Catechesis for the Sacrament of Reconciliation is to precede First Communion and is to be kept distinct by a clear and unhurried separation. This is to be done so that the specific identity of each Sacrament is apparent and so that before receiving First Communion, the child will be familiar with the Rite of Reconciliation and will be at ease with the reception of the Sacrament” (NCD 126).

6. A child’s first reception of Reconciliation should usually be in a setting with the family present. The celebration of the Sacrament should be adapted to the needs and age level of the child and be in accord with the spirit and pastoral theology reflected in the rites of Reconciliation.

7. Pastors, catechists, and parents will cooperatively decide when the Sacrament of Reconciliation is to be offered to children who are mentally handicapped.

8. For anyone who may decide to delay First Reconciliation beyond the usual age, an explicit invitation is to be made annually to celebrate this Sacrament and suitable immediate preparation is to be provided.

9. The catechesis begun in the early grades is to be continued and developed throughout the child’s school years so that children may continue the development of a deeper awareness of the Sacrament of God’s loving mercy. Just as the life of faith is never static, but is a developing reality in the life of the maturing Christian, so the understanding and catechesis of the Sacrament of Reconciliation is never complete at a given age. A developing catechesis, appropriate to the age and faith level of the person, is required.

 

Communal Penance Celebrations

 

It is recommended that families participate with their children in the first celebration of the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Even though the service may be aimed at the child’s level of understanding, it is appropriate for all older children and adults to celebrate the Sacrament too. Children will benefit from witnessing their parents, brothers, and sisters participate in the Sacrament, and will have fears and tensions alleviated by their presence.  The confession and absolution of sins will of course take place individually.  Often it works best to have confessor priests on chairs where everyone is in plain sight and audible privacy is accomplished by distance of separation.