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 components 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

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 preparation components, your child will meet the criteria for readiness to receive First Reconciliation.  Please review the First Reconciliation Program Requirements for 2023-2024 for detailed information on each component of preparation for First Reconciliation.

Introduction Letter: First Reconciliation Letter 2023-2024
Schedule:  First Reconciliation 2023-2024
Program Requirements:  First Reconciliation Program Requirements 2023-2024
Handout: Questions Parents Ask About First Reconciliation

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 is a part of the child’s life and is 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 the 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 preparation components, 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 ongoing catechetical formation program (Children’s Ministry).

Registration

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

Registration Form: Registration Form 2023-2024

• Download the registration form and fill it out completely.  Handwriting needs to be legible.
• Return the form and payment to one of the below registration and orientation dates.
  We ask parents/caregivers to sit through an orientation before registering their child.  Safe Environment Course will also be required.
  • July 9, 2023 – 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM
  • July 16, 2023 – 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM
  • July 23, 2023 – 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM
  • July 30, 2023 – 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM
  • August 6, 2023 – 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM
  • August 13, 2023 – 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM
  • August 20, 2023 – 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM
  • August 27, 2023 – 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM
  • September 3, 2023 – 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM (Last Day to Register)

Payment Plan Form:  Payment Plan Form 2023-2024
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’s Ministry
Theresa Rodriguez
Phone:  (602) 354-2068
Email: [email protected]

Director of Faith Development
Br. Scott Slattum, OFM
Phone: 602-354-2082
Email: [email protected]