First Reconciliation

We use a scripture-based program called, “Spirit of Truth”, as our primary teaching resource for our St. Andrew School children and those enrolled in our Religious Ed program.  Classroom sessions lead your students to understand who God is, His loving plan for creation, the Fall, the nature of sin, why we need mercy and how He offers it to us in the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation.  Also included is practical teaching for going to Confession.

Sacramental Preparation classes are offered for 2nd Graders:
•    Sunday Morning, 9:50 -11:20 am
•    Monday Afternoon, 4:30 – 6:00 pm

Preparation for First Reconciliation begins September 28, 2025.  First Reconciliation will take place Saturday, January 31, 2026 at 10:00 am in the Sanctuary.

Preparation for First Communion will begin in early February and conclude the first weekend of May, 2026.

If you are interested in Sacramental Preparation for your child, please contact Carleigh Flaharty, Director of Religious Education, K-5, at (734) 429-7776 or [email protected].

Reconciliation - Reconciliation is a Sacrament of healing in which our sins are forgiven and in which we are forgiven and united with God and the Church.
God is a loving merciful Father who is waiting for us in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. 

What is a sin? Sins are thoughts, words, or actions that defy God’s will. They damage our communion with God and the Church. 

Who do I tell my sins to? a Priest

Why can't I just tell God my sins?  Jesus granted the apostles and their successors (priests) the authority to forgive and retain sins. God already knows we feel sorry, but by confessing our sins out loud, we take “responsibility for them, and thereby open [ourselves] again to God and to the communion of the Church in order to make a new future possible” (CCC, 1455) 

How do I get ready to confess my sins? We should prepare ourselves for a good confession by taking time not only to examine our conscience but to open our hearts to feel sincere sorrow for out sins and make a firm purpose not to commit them again.  

Will the Priest tell my sins to my parents?  The priest will never tell anyone their sins, not even if asked by a judge.  He has to hold them in the secrecy of his heart.  

Can I bring a piece of paper with me in case I get nervous and forget what to say?  Absolutely!  You can also bring a prayer card with you.

What is penance - The prayers or good works that the priest asks you to do after you have confessed your sins.

Why do I receive penance? Forgiveness takes away sin, but it does not get rid of all the behaviors caused by sin.  It's like when we get in trouble at home.  Mom and dad still love us, but when we break a rule at home we have to do something that shows we are truly sorry.  It is the same with God.  We need to make up for our sin through some action or prayer that will show our desire to make up for the harm which our sinful actions have done.  It may be a prayer, an offering, works of mercy, sacrifices, or service to another. 

Why do we continue to need forgiveness if we are already saved through Baptism? Even though we have been baptized and our sins have been washed away and we have been forgiven, we must continue to return to the sacrament of Penance to cleanse ourselves of sin and receive God's mercy. We are always in need of God's forgiveness through the sacrament of Penance if we are to grow in a life of grace.

Can our sins be forgiven without feeling sad or sorrowful? No. Even if we confess on sins and the priest gives us absolution, our sins will not be forgiven by God if we do not have sincere sadness or sorrow in our hearts. Sincere sorrow for sin is the most important thing you must have before coming to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Without it, your sins cannot be forgiven by God.

How does the Priest forgive my sins?

The priest doesn’t actually forgive sins, but he prays the prayer of absolution that expresses God’s forgiveness:

“…through the ministry of the Church
may God give you pardon and peace,
and I absolve you from your sins
in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”

If it has been a long time since you have been to confession, will your sins be forgiven? Yes. God will always forgive us if we are truly sorry for our sins.