Children in the Waterloo Parishes customarily celebrate the Sacraments of Reconciliation (Confession) and Communion for the first time around the age of 7 or 8 - which is normally when the child is in second grade. As a general rule, however, children should celebrate these sacraments when they are best prepared to do so, regardless of their age or grade level.
It is the policy of the Archdiocese of Dubuque that children celebrate Reconciliation before First Communion.
• Click here to read more about our Sacrament Preparation Policy.
Children may prepare for the sacrament of Reconciliation and Penance starting in 2nd grade. The child needs to be enrolled in Catholic school or a Religious Education program during the year of preparation. The Go Seek Find program from St. Mary's Press along with supplemental parent support materials are used. Preparation lessons are completed as a partnership of the home and the Catholic school/Religious Education classroom. There is a registration fee to cover child/parent materials, retreat and celebration costs.
Parent Meetings: All parent informational meetings to learn about the preparation process and receive materials are held each fall. Students must be enrolled in a Catholic School or Religious Education program in the year of preparation.
Sacraments Retreat: A sign up for retreat dates will be emailed to parents in January.
First Reconciliation Celebrations: Celebrations are combined with parish Communal Reconciliation dates during the Lenten season. Families may choose to celebrate at whichever parish best fits their schedule.
An immediate preparation program can be designed to meet the needs of the youth. Contact Annie Zeets at [email protected] or 319-233-0498.