First Holy Communion Children Make Their First Confession
Heart to Heart on the Path of Reconciliation
How often do we get the chance to have a real heart-to-heart conversation with our children? To talk about what they are thankful for, what is going on inside their hearts, and about their relationship with God and with others?
On the afternoons of 18 March and the morning of 21 March, fourteen children from the Good Shepherd and Gut Hirt communities took an important step in their faith journey: their First Reconciliation. Co-organized by religion teachers Shannon Poltera and Rebecca Rogenmoser, and Father Kurt, the children first walked a “Path of Reconciliation” together with a parent or an accompanying adult chosen by the child.
With a small book about confession in hand and a rock representing the weight of sin, the children walked the path and reflected together with their companion. They spoke about where they had done good, and where they could be kinder, more understanding, and more respectful toward others and creation. Step by step, they began to recognize that none of us is perfect and that God’s mercy is always waiting for us.
At the end of the path, each child brought their rock to Father Kurt and individually made their first confession, speaking honestly with God about where they could do better and receiving His mercy. After Father Kurt said the absolution prayer, he gave each child a small, polished stone in exchange for the rough rock, symbolizing the freedom and new beginning that God’s forgiveness brings. The children placed this stone into a small box prepared by their parent or accompanier as a reminder of this special day.
Shannon Poltera, religion teacher at Good Shepherd and Gut Hirt, shared that the celebration was emotional for both children and parents. One parent said, “This is so beautiful… thank you for making this path,” expressing gratitude for the opportunity to spend precious moments in meaningful conversation and connection with her daughter.
After their confession, the children went to the Maria Chapel to pray their penance before the statue of the Blessed Mother, often together with their parents. It was a quiet and moving moment that showed how seriously the children understood this step and how meaningful this sacrament had become for them.
The Path of Reconciliation reminded all of us that this sacrament is not only about saying sorry, but about encountering God’s mercy, discovering His love, and beginning again with a lighter heart and right relationship with Him.
Photo: Freepik
