Jesus said “Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them; for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.” Lk 18:16-17 The Sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist are infinite gifts of God’s mercy and grace
that Jesus gave to his Church for our salvation.
These gifts have been faithfully transmitted from the 1st century Apostles to us today through the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church established by Jesus and guided by the Holy Spirit as he promised. These sacraments are received by children usually in the second grade or as they reach the age of reason. We often refer to this class as “the Sacrament Class.” If your child is older than second grade and has not yet received these sacraments, simply contact us and we will discuss alternatives with you.
Reconciliation always precedes the Eucharist because it is fitting to repent of our sins to be properly disposed to receive Jesus, who is God, in the Eucharist.
At least 1 prior year of Faith Formation in the Church is required prior to entering the Sacrament class. If your child has not met this expectation, please contact us.
Baptismal Certificate
Sacrament class students must submit a copy (image or pdf) of their baptismal certificate to FFK6@SaintAnnsChurch.com or parishoffice@saintannschurch.com if they were not baptized at St. Ann’s in Manlius.
Sacrament Class Calendar
Here you can view and download the 2023-24 Sacrament Class calendar.
Here you can view and download the Parent Handbook.
From September to December we will learn about Reconciliation. Here are some of the truths your child will learn about God’s gift of Reconciliation. Students will make their first Reconciliation on Saturday, January 27 between 1pm and 3pm in the church. Faithful Catholic parents are expected to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation prior to their child receiving it, and annually as a Precept of the Church for the good of their own soul, in order to live out the Faith by example in family life. Continue reading below to see what does First Reconciliation look like.
Whose sins you forgive are forgiven
Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained.”
(Jn 20:20-23)
This is my body which is given for you
At the Last Supper, Jesus instituted the Mass and the Eucharist as a perpetual memorial for us to share in. Jesus took bread, blessed it, broke it and gave it to his disciples saying “Take this and eat it. This is my body which is given for you. Do this in memory of me.” In John 6 Jesus said “I am the bread of life. Whoever eats this bread will live forever.” Catholics believe what Jesus said: that the bread becomes our Lord Jesus Christ. This is the Real Presence of Jesus.
From January to May we will learn about the Eucharist. Here are some of the truths your child will learn about God’s gift of Himself in the Eucharist. First Holy Communion Mass is planned for Sunday May 19, at the 11am Mass. Because the Eucharist is the summit of Christian worship at Mass, everything we learn will be in the context of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. What a joy it is to attend Mass every Sunday as a family to experience in practice what we teach in the classroom!
We will have a Eucharist Retreat on Saturday May 11 from 9-11am in Lynch Hall. One parent is required to attend the retreat, but both parents are welcome to attend. At the retreat, parents will participate with their child in final preparation for the Sacrament. We will make a Eucharistic Coat of Arms craft that will be used at the First Communion Mass, watch a short video, and most importantly spend time with Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. Eucharistic Adoration will include some instruction, journaling, silent prayer time with Jesus and some reflection. It is an awesome opportunity to praise God for all the graces He has given us in our life and ask Him for the graces we need.
What does First Reconciliation look like?
On the day of the sacrament, children and parent(s) will arrive at the church during their scheduled 15-minute time block. We will greet you as you enter. Simply choose a seat, kneel and pray, do the examination of conscience, then we will guide your child into the confessional with Father. After confession return to your seat and pray your penance. Your child will be presented a special gift before you leave.
This video can help a child understand what confession is like.
Here you can view and download My Guide to Confession for Kids. This is a pamphlet your child can use on the day of First Reconciliation. During class they will have learned everything it contains, but sometimes children can be a bit nervous on the day of their first confession. It contains an examination of conscience, the Act of Contrition, the steps to making a good confession, and some common prayers the priest gives as a penance.
This 10 Commandments for Kids is also a good tool to help children do an examination of conscience. It states the 10 commandments truthfully in a way that is understandable for children.
To Contact Us…
We are always available to help and truly enjoy talking with parents about these great Sacramental gifts and accompanying you and your family in your faith journey. Call, text or email anytime if you have questions or ideas.
Email FFK6@SaintAnnsChurch.com
Steve Nowicki – 316-990-8782 (cell)
Erin Nowicki – 316-990-8786 (cell)