Reconciliation

Jesus came that we might be saved. He brought healing to us – both physical healing in many miracles and, more importantly, spiritual healing. He saves us from sin. We have been reconciled to God in Christ. This spiritual healing is given to us today through Christ’s Church in what is known as the Rite of Reconciliation.

Until the Second Vatican Council, emphasis had been placed on the private aspect of Penance. The liturgical form of the sacrament highlighted the sinner and his relationship with God. In the Church today there is also a concern for the social and community aspect of the sacrament. Our failures weaken the whole community; our successes strengthen the whole community. In a sense, by being Christians we cease to be private persons. The Church is the Body of Christ, and we are the Church. Whether we realise it or not, we are deeply bound up with one another as Christians. This concept underlies the various forms of the Rite of Reconciliation.

The first form of the Rite resembles the former Rite of Penance in which the individual confesses sinfulness privately to the priest, and receives absolution and a penance. In the second form, the community assembles and in an atmosphere of prayer and humility acknowledges its failings. There is reflection on the Word of God; private confession of sins follows; and then there is a community thanksgiving for God’s mercy and pardon.

If you would like to go to Reconciliation, please call the parish office to make an appointment with Fr Peter.

First Reconciliation

First Reconciliation is for children in year 3 and above.  We encourage all Year 3 students at St Columba’s Primary School and any child who worships at St Columba’s but attends another school (Year 3 or above) to receive the Sacrament at St Columba’s.  This Sacrament is usually celebrated in the first half of the year during a special liturgy held on a weekday evening.

For students of St Columba’s Primary School and students of other schools, preparation for receiving First Reconciliation involves:

  • Completing the Sacrament enrolment form and providing the required attachments, such as the child’s Baptism certificate (which can be obtained from the church of Baptism).  The enrolment form can be obtained from the parish office.
  • Attending the Commitment Mass, during which students will receive their preparation workbooks and the formation of preparation groups will be discussed.
  • The child and a parent/carer attend group preparation sessions, held weekly after school, approx. 40 mins in length.

2024 Sacrament of First Reconciliation Preparation Program

Families seeking further information or interested in enrolling their child/ren in the 2024 Program are asked to email the Pastoral Associate [email protected]

The Preparation Groups will begin in the week starting Monday 26 February 2024.

First Reconciliation will be held on 21 March 2024 at 6:30 pm in the church.