Sacraments - Reconciliation

As parents we want to make sure that our children are brought up in the faith. We make sure that they receive the sacraments at the appropriate time. When they are born we think about Baptism. When they reach the second grade we make sure that they receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation and First Communion. Why do we do this?

Why do we make sure that are children are brought up in the faith and belong to the church? Well it seems like a simple answer, but it is more than just words. Many will say it is because we want to pass on the faith and feel that is enough. Sad to say, but that is not enough. We have to live our faith in what we say and do. One of the many blessings that we have as Catholics is that when we receive the sacrament it is only the beginning to our journey in faith.

We know that we are not perfect, we all sin. We try our best to live the faith and at times we let life get in the way and we may fail. However; our God is a loving and forgiving God and we can ask for His forgiveness in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. This is not something that we receive in the second grade and that is it. It is a sacrament that we can receive at anytime. Here at our parish the sacrament is offered:

• Saturday before and after the 8:30 AM Mass.
• Saturday afternoon between 3:00 - 4:00 PM (unless there is a 3:00 PM wedding).
• By appointment.

So what is stopping you from receiving the sacrament? If we are bringing our children up in the faith, we need to make sure we ourselves are living the faith through the sacraments. By participating fully in the sacraments we live out our faith. We grow closer and closer to our God and build a relationship that will last until eternity.

This Tuesday, January 17th, our second grader's will be receiving the Sacrament of Reconciliation. I ask that you pray for them and their parents as they embrace God's forgiveness. This of course is not only a time to ask for forgiveness, but also I time to evaluate our lives and how we will become better Christians. Through our baptism we become part of Christ. We are brought into the church and it enables us to participate in the sacraments which will allow us to grow in grace. To live out our faith and be Christ-like to all! So again the question I ask is why do we bring our children up in the faith?