Those who approach the sacrament of Reconciliation 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 labours for their conversion. It is called the sacrament of Reconciliation, because it imparts to the sinner the love of God who reconciles.

The Sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Communion will be administered to students in Grade 2 and higher. First Reconciliation will take place in the fall of 2023 and First Eucharist will take place shortly after Easter in the spring of 2024; First Reconciliation (Confession) must precede First Eucharist. 

27 September 2024

Sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist

Dear Parents/Guardians, 

The sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Eucharist are important moments in the spiritual development of your child. Through these sacraments your child will first come to know God’s forgiveness and loving mercy, and then receive the real presence of Jesus Christ through the Eucharist. 
The Sacrament of Reconciliation will be celebrated at St. Patrick’s on Thursday December 5^th 2024 at 6:30 p.m. after a period of preparation. The Sacrament of First Eucharist (Holy Communion) will be celebrated at St. Patrick’s on Sunday April 27^th2025 at 1:30 p.m. after a period of preparation. St. Patrick’s invites young people in Grade 2 and older to register for these sacraments. By completing a registration form, your child will be registered for both sacraments. There is a fee for books and materials of $20 for each of the sacraments of 1^st Reconciliation in the fall and 1^st Eucharist in the spring. 
Preparation for Reconciliation begins Thursday October 24th at 6:30 p.m. Parents/Guardians play a key role in this time of preparation and are asked to attend these preparation sessions with their child. Should a parent/guardian be unable to attend any specific session, we ask that another caring adult accompany your child. Each candidate is expected to attend all sessions. We are aware that there may be some conflicts with these dates and hope that you can free up your schedule to accommodate these times. All the dates for both programs are attached. 
Each candidate MUST provide a baptismal certificate well in advance of the celebration of the Sacrament. If your child was baptized at St. Patrick’s, their baptismal record will already be on file at the parish. If your child was baptized at another church (Catholic or otherwise), please make a copy of his or her certificate and include it with the registration form. Please submit registration forms by Friday October 18^th 2024. 
We look forward to the opportunity to journey with you and your child in this time of preparation for the Sacraments of Reconciliation and First Eucharist.

In Christ,
Fr. Pat Woods
Pastor