"God, the Father of mercies, through the death and resurrection of his Son has reconciled the world to himself and sent the Holy Spirit among us for the forgiveness of sins; 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. Amen."  Christ speaks these words of absolution to us through the presence of the priest in the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

Parents are the first educators of their children in the matters of faith, and the child comes to understand God's love and forgiveness best in their own family. We are looking forward to working with you as we prepare your child for the important events of their faith journey--First Reconciliation and First Eucharist. 

We ask the following of parents who are ready for their children to begin preparation for these sacraments:

• The ordinary place where a child celebrates first sacraments is in the parish of registratin of the child's parents or legal guardian or the parish in whose territory the child's parents live (if unregistered). The family must be registered parishioners of St. Joseph Co-Cathedral Catholic Church Parish. 
• Children should have reached the age of reason and be properly disposed to receive the sacrament. 
• The usual age for one to receive first sacraments is about the seventh year. 
• If the child's parents are not practicing Catholics but wish to have their child receive the sacraments, the child should not be kept from receiving the sacraments, especially the Eucharist. Parents are encouraged to participate in the sacramental preparation process with their child. 
• Parents or guardians must provide a copy of the baptismal certificate (or other acceptable proof of baptism) for each child preparing for the sacraments. If the parents or guardian do not have a copy of the child's original certificate, they may contact the parish of baptism to request a copy.
• Parents are encouraged to attend weekend Mass regularly with your child(ren). 
• In an effort to create a sense of community in our young church parish members, the immediate preparation for and celebration of first sacraments includes both Catholic school and public school students. The dates of the sacramental preparation sessions and the ceebrations are provided below.

SACRAMENTAL PREPARATION 2024 CALENDAR

First Reconciliation Retreat        Saturday, February 24, 2024       8:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.
Parents Meeting at 8:45 a.m.                                                                Life Center

First Reconciliation Service        Tuesday, February 27, 2024        7 p.m. in Church

First Eucharist Retreat                 Saturday, March 23, 2024           8:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.
Parents Meeting at 8:45 a.m.                                                                Life Center

Celebration of First Eucharist    Sunday, April 7, 2024                    2 p.m. in Church