Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I send you.” And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.” (John 20:21-23)

The Sacrament of Reconciliation, also called the Sacrament of Penance or Confession is most often celebrated for the first time just prior to receiving First Eucharist.  Children are prepared during the second year of religious formation (for elementary school children).  For Assumption and Sacred Heart children, this most often takes place during traditional CCD classes or Family Catechesis.  For children at St. John Neumann this usually accompanies Catechesis of the Good Shepherd or Family Catechesis.  In addition, materials are provided for the parents to cover at home. Attendance at a special Retreat Day is also required.

For adults who are looking for full communion with the Catholic Church, preparation for Reconciliation takes place through the OCIA process.  Timing for the reception of the sacrament is dependent upon whether the person has been baptized or not.  If they will be receiving the Sacrament of Baptism upon full initiation, then the Sacrament of Reconciliation is postponed until a later date.  This is also the case for children who are moving through the OCIC process,

All Faith Formation options, Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, Traditional CCD, and Family Catechesis are available for all members of Regina Coeli Parish. Attendance may be site specific depending upon the program.