Anna's First Reconciliation

2nd Grade is a big year for students at Anna's school - they have their First Reconciliation and First Communion. Wednesday night (November 18th) Anna completed her First Reconciliation - a big moment for these kids! They have been working on memorizing all the required prayers, the process and examining their consciences for the past few months in preparation. There was much excitement and with a touch of anxiety for most of them :)

All ready to go!

No big moment in Anna's life would be complete without some silliness!

Siblings were not allowed to attend but he wanted in on the family photo anyway!

Waiting for the night to begin

Finished! She strategically chose the priest with the shortest line (Father Ray) and took care of business as soon as she could. After she finished her reconciliation there were several stations - one had holy water where the parents and children were able to bless each other. One had names of other children going through the process - each student took a name to pray for. And the 3rd presented her with a lamb keepsake pin. 

We went out for frozen yogurt (with toppings!) afterward to celebrate and give her the "love bag" we had put together with letters and cards we had received from teachers, family and friends and a small gift from us.

The prized letter of the night was from last year's teacher - such a sweet note and one she will treasure forever.

Strangely, the priest's reflection at the beginning of the service included a discussion of "Fainting Goats" - of course, this meant we had to look up videos of fainting goats to satisfy the curiosity of a 2nd grader!

It was a special night! Now to start preparing for First Communion!