Celebration of First Reconciliation will be once a year.  Preparations for the sacrament will be coordinated through the Faith Formation Office regardless of whether the child attends St. Philip’s School or St. Philip’s Faith Formation. 
 
It is recommended that the child is at least in 2 ^nd grade and prepare for both the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist. 
 
The child preparing for the Sacrament of First Reconciliation must be enrolled in St. Philip’s Faith Formation or St. Philip’s School.

It is the policy of the Diocese of Crookston that the reception of the Sacrament of Reconciliation precedes the reception of First Eucharist.  Parents may delay the reception of the Sacraments if they feel their child is not ready to receive them. 

At least one parent/guardian of a child preparing for First Reconciliation shall attend First Reconciliation Parent Sessions.  The Parent Sessions will introduce catechetical teachings regarding the seven sacraments, with the focus on the Reconciliation.  Parents will receive information, materials and requirements to assist them with the preparation of their child for the Sacrament of Reconciliation.  It is the parent’s responsibility to prepare their child for First Reconciliation.
 
Children will be enrolled for the preparation of First Reconciliation before the faith community on Blessing Weekend.  The child and his/her parents will be recognized by the faith community and the faith community will keep the child and their family in their prayers during their preparation of Reconciliation.
 
During the preparation time for First Reconciliation you and your child are expected to attend a First Reconciliation Faith Finders session.  Children and their parent(s) will complete various activities that will enhance their understanding of the Sacrament.  Parents of First Reconciliation children will present the activities under the direction of the Faith Formation Director.
 
These requirements are meant to lead the child and parents to a meaningful and joyful celebration of the sacrament, not only for the first time, but each time thereafter.

Children in Faith Formation who are preparing for First Reconciliation who are habitually absent from class may have the sacrament delayed.  The Pastor and Faith Formation Director will make the determination.  See the Attendance Policy in the Elementary Faith Formation Handbook. 
 
The best preparation parents can give their child is to practice and live the faith.  One of the most important ways to do this is regular attendance at Mass.  An integral part of our child’s faith formation is participation in Sunday Liturgy.  While completing the sacrament lessons and attending Faith Formation class or St. Philip’s school is important for the practical knowledge that is learned, faith should also be experienced.  To be part of the parish family, to worship together each Sunday is to be part of faith in action.  Parents, we expect that you will give your child these experiences – preparing for the sacraments at home, attendance at Faith Formation or St. Philip’s school and Church – so that he/she will be encouraged to practice and live his/her faith.