Ideas

First Reconciliation

When to Celebrate:
First Reconciliation in the parish catechetical program is to be celebrated before First Communion in Grade 2. The preparation for the sacrament usually takes place in Lent for approximately four weeks. Parishes are requested to provide opportunities for the Sacrament of Reconciliation to all children and youth at least once a year as part of the parish catechetical program.
Bishop Faber MacDonald issued a statement in 2005 requesting the sacrament of First Reconciliation be celebrated before First Communion.
Parishes were also requested to provide private confession at least once a year after First Reconciliation.

Recommended Resources:
1. "A Catechesis on Reconciliation" is a catechetical program of the Born of the Spirit series developed by the National Office of Religious Education of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops, Ottawa, Canada. 1995
This resource provides three themes on reconciliation, along with sample family and parish connections, sample celebration for the sacrament of Reconciliation including a short act of contrition for children. It also provides the children an opportunity to look back on the celebration.

2."We Discover God's Paths: Preparation for Reconciliation.". This resource is part of On Our Way with Jesus :A Way of Christian Initiation by Francine Darcy Berube and John Paul Berube. Published by Novalis, Saint Paul University, Ottawa, Canada. 1997
Catechists may want to use this resource as an extra to provide a family guide for parents to use at home.

First Communion

When to Celebrate:
Children in the parish catechetical program celebrate the sacrament of First Communion in Grade 2. The ideal is to celebrate this sacrament in the Easter Season at a Sunday Eucharist although there is no requirement for this. When this does happen, it shows to the community that the season for initiation is the Easter Season.

Recommended Resources:
1."We Belong to the Lord Jesus", the Year 2 resource of the Born of the Spirit provides a catechesis on the Eucharist. It follows the structure of the Mass and offers an understanding of each component and element of the Eucharistic celebration. This is sufficient catechetical preparation for the children for First Communion. Units 6, 7, 8 and 9 introduce the children to "feasting at the table of the Eucharist". As an initiation sacrament, the entire community needs to be involved as they initiate candidates into the
eucharistic banquet. We Belong to the Lord Jesus provides ways to engage the parish and families in the preparation.

2."Come Join us at the Table" by Muriel Loftus and Laurence DeMong OSB. Published by Novalis, Saint Paul University, Ottawa, Canada 2000
This resource consists of a Leaders Guide and Family Book and reflects the "journey" approach of the RCIA while emphasizing family and parish responsibility in the process. Although it does contain a catechesis on Confirmation for those dioceses that celebrate Confirmation before First Communion, it is good resource for catechists and also for families.

3."We Share in the Eucharist: Preparation for First Communion". This resource is part of On Our Way with Jesus: A Journey of Christian Initiation by Francoise Darcy Berube and John Paul Berube. Published by Novalis, Saint Paul University, Ottawa, Canada. 1997
Catechists may want to use this resource as an extra to provide a family guide for parents to use at home.

Confirmation

When to Celebrate:
Confirmation is usually celebrated in Grade 9 level or around the age of fourteen in the parish catechetical program.

Recommended Resources:
1."Confirmation: Anointed and Sealed with the Spirit" by Thomas H. Morris and Kathy Coffey. Published by Living the Good News, a division of The Morehouse Group. 1999
The resource provides a leader's guide, journal for candidates and a ritual and retreat book. It is a confirmation program that can be used for children (approximately ages 7-12), youth (approximately ages 13-17) or adults who have been baptized in the church. It can be used in 10-12 weekly sessions or shorter full day sessions.

2."Confirming Disciples" is a publication from the Center for Ministry Development. Naugatuck, CT, USA. 1996
This resource provides a foundation and understanding of Confirmation, organizing and leadership aids, how to invite youth to the program, guidebooks for parents and sponsors, four sessions for the catechesis on Confirmation and a section on Worship Resources which includes a Reconciliation Service and the Rite of Confirmation.

3."Confirmation- Rite of Confirmation: Ritual and Pastoral Notes". Published by Publications Service of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. 1987
This resource is an essential resource for catechists preparing candidates for Confirmation. It contains the rite of confirmation. The pastoral notes pp. 99-111 have been prepared by the National Liturgical Office "to be of service to those responsible for preparing for confirmation".