This document provides information about the sacraments of First Penance and First Communion for St. Edward Catholic Church. It details the key aspects of the Rite of Reconciliation and receiving one's first confession. The requirements for receiving First Communion are outlined, including being baptized, at least seven years old, and having received the sacrament of penance. Important dates for the upcoming First Penance and First Communion Masses and events are listed at the end.

1. St. Edward Catholic Church
First Penance
First Communion

2. Penance or Reconciliation
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Sacrament of Healing
4 steps
Contrition
Confession
Absolution
Satisfaction or completing our penance

3. Rite of Reconciliation
• In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and
of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Bless me Father, for
I have sinned. This is my first confession.
These are my sins. (tell the priest your sins)
• The priest will give you a Penance; this will
usually be some prayers to say.
• Act of Contrition
• Absolution

4. Canon 914
It is primarily the duty of parents and those who
take the place of parents, as well as the duty of
pastors, to take care that children who have
reached the use of reason are prepared properly
and, after they have made sacramental confession,
are refreshed with this divine food as soon as
possible. It is for the pastor to exercise vigilance so
that children who have not attained the use of
reason or whom he judges are not sufficiently
disposed do not approach holy communion.

5. First Holy Communion
• Communion or Eucharist is a sacrament of
Initiation.
• In order to receive the sacrament, a person
must be baptized, a Catholic, at least seven
years old and free from mortal sin.
• Before receiving your first communion, you
must receive the sacrament of penance.

6. Catechism #1457
According to the Church's command, "after having
attained the age of discretion, each of the faithful is
bound by an obligation faithfully to confess serious
sins at least once a year." Anyone who is aware of
having committed a mortal sin must not receive
Holy Communion, even if he experiences deep
contrition, without having first received
sacramental absolution, unless he has a grave
reason for receiving Communion and there is no
possibility of going to confession. Children must go
to the sacrament of Penance before receiving Holy
Communion for the first time.

7. What is Eucharist?
• The Eucharist is "the source and summit of
the Christian life." CCC 1324
• The bread and wine become the Body and
Blood of Jesus.
• Jesus is fully present, body, blood, soul and
divinity. “He must increase, but I must
decrease.” (John 3:30)
• Receiving Communion heals us and sustains
us in our daily life.

8. How to Receive Holy Communion
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Standing
In the hand or on the tongue
Slight bow as an act of reverence
“The Body of Christ”
Respond “Amen”
Consume the host immediately
Kneel in your pew until the tabernacle is closed

9. Dress for First Communion
• Girls: dress, preferably white with sleeves;
shoes or sandals. Veil is optional. No
strapless or spaghetti strap dresses, no slides
or flip-flops, no gloves, purses, rosaries,
flowers, or books to carry.
• Boys: Dress pants, shirt, tie, socks and shoes,
jacket optional.

10. Important Dates
• April 4: First Penance, 5:30 pm in the Church
• April 12: Communion Retreat 9 am—noon;
Family Luncheon at noon in the Parish Hall
• April 17: Holy Thursday Mass and Procession,
7 pm in the Church
• April 30: First Communion Rehearsal, 5 pm in
the Church
• May 4: First Communion Mass at Noon; meet
in parish hall at 11:30 am