First Reconciliation Dates

First Penance services will be held for all First Eucharist Candidates during the third week of February. Children have been assigned by class as follows:

• Tuesday, February 14 @ 6:00 pm
       Mrs. Jenifer Bublak
       Mrs. Jamie Gang
       Mrs. Marcie Heiskell
• Thursday, February 16 @ 6:00 pm
       Mrs. Chris Dinger
       Mrs. Kami Malencia
       Mrs. Debbie Silver
• Saturday, February 18 @ 11:00 am
       Mrs. Jan Strozza
       Mrs. Gloria Lehner

Families of candidates who are not in one of these Faith Formation classes may choose either Thursday, February 16 or Saturday, February 18. Please let Colette know which day you would like to attend. Families may only change their child’s date for First Penance by contacting Colette in the Faith Formation Office at 724.941.9587, Ext. 113 or .

First Reconciliation

Children in the second-year of religious formation are considered at the age of discretion (around 7 years old) by the Catholic Church. According to the policy guidelines set forth by the Diocese of Pittsburgh, "...before coming to eucharistic communion, these young candidates are to celebrate sacramental confession." Therefore, children attending faith formation classes at St. Benedict the Abbot Parish, as well as children enrolled in Catholic schools, will begin preparation for the sacrament of Reconciliation. While class attendance and participation are vital in sacramental catechesis, parents must recognize the unique role they share in the Christian formation of their children.

Please keep in mind that we will need the baptismal certificate of any second grade student not baptized at St. Benedict the Abbot Parish. If you do not have a copy, simply call the parish where you child was baptized and request that they send you a copy. The baptismal parish may require a letter from you stating your request so it would be a good idea to start this process now.