The Holy Mystery of Reconciliation Celebration  for the 1^st Communion Class

at St. Anthony + St. George Church, Wilkes Barre, PA

 Row 1: Christina Kaspar, Nicole Joseph, Trystan Wielgopolski, Kurtis Nordmark, Andrew Wallace,

Sarah Chekan, Marc Chekan, Carnel Shelborne, Peter Khoudary

Row 2: Mrs. Anne Kasper, Director of Religious Education, Subdeacon Crosby, Father Hanna Karem, Pastor, Mr. Peter Bonczewski, Nicolas Chekan and Mrs. Lina Chekan, 1st Communion Class Teacher

By Anne Kasper

On March 6, 2011, a special program was held at St. Anthony and St. George Church, Wilkes-Barre PA, to celebrate the receipt of the Holy Mystery of Reconciliation for the first time by the children in the First Communion Class. The Gospel Story of Zacchaeus was proclaimed by Fr. Hanna and acted out by the children. Fr. Hanna then gave a homily on the meaning of the gospel and the importance of the Sacrament of Reconciliation. An examination of conscience was conducted, based upon the Ten Commandments with each child actively participating in the program. Following the receipt of the Holy Mystery of Reconciliation, the children were presented with a white stole, which they had decorated.  The white stoles were to remind them of their baptism, when the priest placed a white cloth upon their body to symbolize that, they were now washed free of their sins and new members of the Church. The children were instructed that with the celebration of the Mystery of Reconciliation, like in Baptism, they were washed clean of their sins and reconciled to God and their neighbor. They also received a crown and a ring, which were from the Parable of the Prodigal Son. The children concluded the program with singing of the children’s song, Do Lord, O Do Lord, O Do Remember Me. Following the program a luncheon was held in the Church Hall for the children and their families.