First Communion and First Reconciliation

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​First Holy Communion 2023
Children in Second Grade prepare during October and November first for the Sacrament of Reconciliation which is celebrated for them on December 9, 2023. 
In January, their preparation for First Holly Communion takes center stage. 
Our 2nd graders will share a First Communion Retreat on Saturday, May 4th in preparation for their happy day. 
First Holy Communion will be held at Our Lady, Star of the Sea on Saturday, May 11, 2024.  
Pictures of First Communion 2023 can be found here.

2nd Grade Parent Meetings:
In preparation for 1st Communion, 2nd Grade Parents (one or both parents) are required to attend a meeting to go over important information and materials regarding their child's First Communion.
First Communion Attire
Girls: White dress, white shoes and head piece. Head pieces are available for purchase at the Parish Center for $10 each.
Boys: Navy blue jacket, tan/khaki pants, button down white collared shirt, white tie and dress shoes (no sneakers, please). White ties are available for purchase at the Parish Center for $10 each.
Parish Center hours: Monday - Thursday, 9:00AM - 2:00PM
Banners
During our First Communion Retreat, each child makes a banner that he/she will carry in and then display on their family's designated pew. Kits may be purchased online for those unable to attend the Retreat. 
May Crowning
All First Communion students are invited to return in their First Communion clothes for the 9:00am Mass on Mother's Day for the May procession and the crowning of the Blessed Mother in the Grotto outside (weather permitting). At the conclusion of Mass, the children process outside to the statue of the Blessed Mother and a crown will be placed on her head. 

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The Sacrament of First Reconciliation
The Sacrament of Reconciliation is the focus of the first phase of the child's First Communion year. A group celebration of the Sacrament will take place on December  9th, 2023 in two smaller groups for which families may choose their preference.
 

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What is Reconciliation?

Reconciliation is one of the two sacraments of healing. It is the usual way for believers to seek forgiveness for serious sin, to seek help for lesser shortcomings and to receive spiritual help to resist future sins.  In preparation, the penitent reviews his or her life in the light of God's goodness.  We should ask: “What would Jesus have me do better?” Some examples of sin are lying, holding a grudge, or stealing. After we identify things we are doing wrong, we can then ask for forgiveness. God offers his forgiveness in a tangible, effective way through the Sacrament of Reconciliation. 

What is First Communion?

Communion is the 3rd of the Sacraments of Christian Initiation, together with Baptism and Confirmation. Through these three Sacraments we enter and share in the realities of Jesus' love shown through his passion, death and rising to new life. First Communion is a sacred moment for our second-grade students. In celebrating the Sacrament of First Eucharist (First Communion), our Communicants receive, for the first time, Jesus, in Holy Communion. Jesus gives us a share in all that he is through our reception of his most holy body, blood, soul and divinity.  We enter full communion of life with him.