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RECONCILIATION
Sin is before all else an offense against God, a rupture of communion with Him. At the same time, sin damages communion with the Church. For this reason, conversion entails both God’s forgiveness and reconciliation with the Church, which is expressed and accomplished liturgically by the sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation. (Catechism of the Catholic Church 1440)
Let's start by acknowledging that we all sin. Everyone makes mistakes... Jesus established this beautiful sacrament to wash us of our guilt and restore us through his love. Acknowledging our sins before a priest puts us in front of Christ himself and allows us to be reconciled to God and to one another no matter the severity of our mistakes.
Forgiveness is available to all of us. Confession is available at St. Joseph Monday, Thursday and Friday from 8:30am - 9:00am, Fridays from 5:00pm- 6:30pm, and Saturdays from 3:00pm - 4:30pm. An appointment for confession during the week may also be made by calling the Parish Office at (909) 629-4101.
PREPARATION
Preparation for First Reconciliation is included in the preparation for first Holy Communion.
Awareness of reconciliation is a gradual development, and the rate of moral, psychological and religious development of children differs from child to child.
Parents should be involved in the preparation of children for this sacrament. Catechesis for the sacrament of reconciliation is to precede First Communion and must be kept distinct by a clear and unhurried separation. This is to be done so that, before receiving First Communion, the child will be familiar with the revised rite of reconciliation and will be at ease with the reception of the sacrament. Because continuing, lifelong conversion is part of what it means to grow in faith, catechesis for the sacrament of reconciliation is on-going.
The catechesis genuinely provides for the child’s right to go to confession. The teaching is taught in a simple way and in keeping with what is required for the first confession of young children, namely:
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ability to distinguish between right and wrong;
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awareness of need for forgiveness;
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trust in Jesus’ forgiving love;
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ability to express sorrow.
For more information on receiving the sacraments of First Holy Communion and First Reconciliation please click here, or for details on registering to begin the process of receiving First Holy Communion and First Reconciliation, please contact Ms. Garcia at (909) 629-1404 in the Faith Formation Office for availability.
Ms. Garcia, DRE
Mrs. Lucy Baltazar, Office Assistant
Phone: (909) 629-1404 ext. 4 or 5