"Receive the Holy Spirit. Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them,
and whose sins you retain are retained."
(John 20:22-23)
A baptized Catholic who has reached the age of reason (normally considered to be seven years of age), and who has been properly prepared for the Sacrament, may celebrate First Reconciliation.
Preparation
Preparation and celebration of First Reconciliation are parish based. A child or adult wishing to celebrate First Reconciliation is expected to participate in Mass regularly and complete the parish's preparation program.
Children
In the Archdiocese of Seattle, children are to be prepared for First Reconciliation and are to be offered the opportunity to celebrate First Reconciliation, before receiving First Eucharist (First Communion).
Preparation for First Reconciliation begins in 1st Grade Faith Formation, which the child is expected to attend regularly, and celebration of the Sacrament is typically during 2nd Grade. Children who begin preparation process in 2nd Grade or later, will celebrate the Sacrament in 3rd Grade or later.
At least one parent or guardian of a child is required to attend specific preparation sessions with their child, and to present the child for First Reconciliation.
Parents or guardians who home school their children are to contact the pastor for inclusion in sacramental preparation of their children before these children may celebrate First Reconciliation.
Adults
Adults wishing to celebrate First Reconciliation must be properly prepared. Baptized but un-catechized adult Catholics who have never been prepared for the Sacrament of Reconciliation will participate in an adult preparation program prior to their reception of First Eucharist.
The Pastor must verify proper preparation prior to a child's or adult's reception of First Reconciliation.
Contact: Rosemary O'Brien-Wilson: email robrienwilson@holydisciples.org or phone 253-875-6630.