Today I Made My First Reconciliation

My daughter made her First Reconciliation this spring and this book was really nice to help understand the process. It describes a story of kids getting in trouble, lying about it, and the guilt they were feeling. It got a little long winded at times - dragging out descriptions of reconciliation and penance, but overall, it was good at helping my daughter understand the meanings. And she really enjoyed reading the story - I think she could relate to the characters. I would recommend it for anyone who wants to show the kids this sacrement is just as important as receiving First Communion.

I'm the DRE in my parish, and also happen to be preparing my son for First Reconciliation this year. This book has been wonderful to read and discuss with my son. It gives a very serious, yet gentle and positive approach to the sacrament so many people struggle to understand and appreciate. Through the story of 2 children who have lied to cover up the fact that they accidentally broke a window, the book illuminates the meaning and ill effects of sin. It also talks about temptation, forgiveness, grace, absolution, God's love and mercy, the benefits of the Sacrament of Reconciliation, etc. It ties in scripture very nicely, and has a wonderful appendix with all kinds of reference material, like the actual procedure for confession, scriptural references, a great guide for examining the conscience, prayers (including 2 versions of the Act of Contrition, etc. If you were to read the book aloud in class, you would have to split it up over a number of sessions, but it could easily be done. This is a great book for parish or family use. I highly recommend it!

I bought this book as a gift for my daughter's birthday so she would have it before she made her First Communion. We read one or two chapters a week as a review of her CCD program (to ensure we covered any gaps). She enjoyed the story and loved filling in the memory pages at the back of the book. What a wonderful Catholic resource! Highly recommended. Also consider getting the companion book Today I Made My First Communion.

I teach second grade Religious Education for children who are not in Catholic school. We read this book aloud for them while they have their snack, and they are rapt. First Reconciliation is quite mysterious, and maybe their parents haven't been in awhile, or have had a bad experience with Reconciliation. This book has been wonderful for shedding light in dark corners, and dispelling any fears they might have.

This is another outstanding book in the series of books on sacraments by Dianne Ahern. Ms. Ahern skillfully blends a wonderful story about children making their first confession with an educational understanding of why Catholics take this very important step in their lives. The excellent writing, as well as the fabulous illustrations, make "Today I made My First Reconcilliation" a must have.