Members of our Middle Learning Community gathered to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation for the first time.
This important sacrament allows every person the chance to think about how they can repair their relationship with God and others. While it’s hard to confess your faults and say sorry, we know that God the Father will always welcome us home, like the Father welcomed his Lost Son back in the parable.
On 21st March we did Reconciliation. My dad and my nan came to celebrate with me. I went and spoke to the priest about my sins. It made me feel happy because Jesus forgives me. I will do my best to not sin again.
In preparing for the sacrament, learners explored the meaning of the parable of the Lost Son in the context of Lent. The Lenten season is a time of repentance for all members of the Church and is the perfect time to celebrate this sacrament of healing for the first time.
On Thursday 21st March I walked into church for Reconciliation. I was a bit nervous but also excited. I was the second person to see the priest. I waited with my parents and then I went to see Father Jude and told him my sins. I went to the front of the church and said my prayer and lit a candle. After that I sat down and sang. At the end, I was very proud of myself.
On Thursday 21st of March we celebrated the Sacrament of Reconciliation. I celebrated Reconciliation with my Mum, Dad and my sister Angelica (who was celebrating as well). I felt nervous and happy. I felt nervous because I was worried and I didn’t know what to say. I felt happy because I was getting blessed and God would forgive me. I spoke to Father John and told him my sins, he blessed me and I said a prayer. I then knelt at the altar, said a prayer and lit a candle. I got my certificate and then sat with my parents. I was very proud of myself.
After each child prayed their penance, they lit a candle on the sanctuary. The candle is a symbol of Jesus, the light of the world. Through acknowledging their actions and asking for forgiveness, they can rekindle that light within them and continue to be people who live like Jesus.
On the day of Reconciliation I felt nervous because lots of people that I didn’t know were in the church. My brother came to celebrate with me because it was my first Reconciliation. I spoke to Father John and then I went up to the altar, said my prayers and then lit my candle. I thought the experience was awesome.
We all thank Fr Jude and Fr John for being with us to be the person of Jesus and the whole Church in celebrating our two liturgies. It was also great to have some learners from St Teresa of Kolkata join us to celebrate the sacrament for the first time.