First Reconciliation

Our sacramental preparation program for First Reconciliation, designed for second grade and above, is called Together in Jesus. The program consists of five integrated component that you and your child will need to complete before receiving the Sacrament of Reconciliation:

• Classroom Component with Parent / Caregiver
• Family Component
• Prayer Component
• Service Component
• Retreat Component

To preview a sample classroom lesson visit:
Jesus Gives us the Holy Spirit

Program Requirements

Together in Jesus First Reconciliation program at St. Mary’s Basilica has been designed to fulfill the requirements put forth in the Diocese of Phoenix Sacrament of First Confession Policy and Guidelines 2006. By completing the above components of preparation your child will meet the criteria for readiness to receive First Reconciliation.  Please review the First Reconciliation Program Requirements for 2019-2020 for detailed information on each component of preparation for First Reconciliation.

Introduction Letter:  First Reconciliation Parent Letter
Program Requirements:  First Reconciliation Program Requirements for 2019-2020
Schedule:  Reconciliation Schedule 2019 – 2020

Child’s Readiness

The Diocese of Phoenix states, “Parents and the parish catechetical leader, together with the pastor are responsible for determining when children are ready to receive First Reconciliation.” The Diocese of Phoenix has provided the following criteria for readiness:

• An awareness that God loves them.
• Regular participation in Sunday Mass. (Determined by participation in CLOW.)
• Prayer as a part of the child’s life and also experienced within their family.
• A growing ability to distinguish between accidents and the right and wrong choices they make.
• A capacity for sincere sorrow and ability to change their actions.
• The ability to express sorrow for sin.
• A knowledge that relationships with God and others can be broken through sin.
• An understanding that the Sacrament of Reconciliation is a special sign of God’s forgiveness.

By completing the five components of preparation your child will meet the criteria for readiness to receive First Reconciliation.  In addition, the Diocese of Phoenix also requires that children in First Reconciliation preparation be involved in the parish’s on-going catechetical formation program (Children’s Ministry) held on Sunday mornings. However, to assist over-scheduled families we have integrated First Reconciliation preparation into our Children’s Ministry program on Sundays to alleviate the need for families to participate on a separate night at St. Mary’s Basilica. Because of this accommodation, your child may only miss three Sunday classes and may only miss one First Reconciliation class. However, you will need to complete the missed reconciliation session’s assignment.

Registration

The below registration form can also be used to register your child for our Children’s Ministry Program on Sundays.

Registration Form:  Registration Form 2019-2020

• Download the registration form and fill it out completely.  Handwriting needs to be legible.
• On the scheduled Sundays after the 9 AM and 11 AM Mass attend a hour long Parent / Caregiver Orientation.
• After the Parent / Caregiver Orientation you may return the registration form and payment to register (Do not mail forms).
  • Sunday August 4, 2019
  • Sunday August 11, 2019
  • Sunday August 18, 2019
  • Sunday August 25, 2019
  • Sunday September 1, 2019
  • Last day for registration is Sunday, September 1, 2019.

Payment Plan Form:  Payment Plan Form 2019-2020
If you need financial assistance in paying the registration fee please download and complete the above form
and bring it to one of the above registration weekends after all the Masses.

For More Information

Coordinator of Children Ministry
Theresa Losada
Phone:  (602) 354-2068
Email: tlosada@smbphx.org