Ist Rite Reconciliation
1st Rite Reconciliation
Everyone occasionally does things they regret or perhaps know they shouldn’t have done, and that’s why the Sacrament of Reconciliation is so important. Commonly called the Sacrament of Penance or Confession, the Sacrament of Reconciliation is all about healing. Remember, no matter what you have done, God loves you and is ready to forgive you. But first you need to speak to God about what happened, and Catholics do that through a ritual of confession, penance and absolution.
The idea of confessing something you did wrong to someone might make you anxious or uncomfortable, and the Church understands this. That’s why Catholic priests are bound to a seal of confession. This means a Catholic priest can never repeat any sins you confess to him in the confessional to anyone for any reason. Reconciliation is a sacrament of forgiveness and celebrates God’s love and mercy towards us. It celebrates a process of conversion of heart.
Generally, in the year when the children turn ten (Year Five), they are prepared to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation with individual confession and absolution (first rite). They take the first step and learn in detail what it means to examine their conscience. Candidates older than those turning 10 are also eligible.
At Our Lady and St Dympna, the program for 1st Reconciliation is generally conducted in conjunction with First Holy Communion. If a candidate has already received the Sacrament of Holy Communion and wishes to receive 1st Reconciliation, they must complete the workbook handed out at the Information Sessions and attend the Reconciliation workshop. Reconciliation within the dual program takes a period of 2 weeks with the Sacrament of Reconciliation on Friday 11th September at 5.00 p.m. or Friday 11th September 5.30 p.m.
Enrolments for Reconciliation will open on 24th June and close on 13th July.
Enrolment for the Sacrament of Reconciliation 2026:
1. Enrolment for Reconciliation: Reconciliation enrolment
2. Sacramental Parental Permission form - please complete, print and bring to the Rite of Enrolment Mass of your choice.
Reconciliation Preparation
Attendance at a Parent/Carer Information evening (mandatory)
Either Wednesday 15th July 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
OR Wednesday 15th July 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Attendance at a Rite of Enrolment Mass (mandatory)
Either Saturday 18th July at 6:00 p.m. or Sunday 19th July at 7:00 a.m., or Sunday 19th July at 9:00 a.m., or Sunday 19th July at 5:00 p.m.
Attendance at a Workshop (mandatory) Parent/s and child to attend.
Reconciliation Workshop: Sunday 30th August, 10.30 a.m. - 12.00 noon or 3:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Celebration of Sacrament of Reconciliation
Friday 11th September, 5.00 p.m. or 5.30 p.m.
There is an administration cost of $10 per candidate.