Reconciliation

 Feb 6, 2021

The process was full of fits and starts, and it ended with Johanna awash with the Sacramental grace of Reconciliation.

Our Lady of Victory set up a preparation program amid the pandemic to be done at home. It was very accessible and had a book that was easy for Johanna and I to do together. We went through the book at the dining room table and she heard the bible stories of God's mercy, she learned the catechism, and we practiced the process. I printed off an examination of conscience for kids and the Act of Contrition and she did those every night at bedtime. 

The Sacrament was scheduled for the first week of January but got canceled because the Deacon running things got Covid. Johanna was disappointed, asked if Deacon Dan was OK and said but we only really need Fr. Bill. She was right and she got another month to prepare.

We didn't have much notice of the rescheduled service so both Jim and Emma missed it because they had to work. Johanna's Godfather Uncle Will was able to come up for the prayer service and support her. 

The community reconciliation service went smoothly. There were only 4 kids total receiving the sacrament for the first time so Johanna didn't have long to wait for Fr. Bill Keown to be available. When she came out she looked serious and then broke into all smiles. she gave a big thumbs up and said "I feel pretty good." She said her penance. Will, Megs, Bridge and I all got a chance to go to confession as well.  Johanna was chatty and antsy when she was back in the pew and talked quite a bit with Uncle Will. When everyone in our party was done we made our exit.

Will asked Johanna to show him her classroom window and they even had a little race. She was happy.

We picked Rachael up for work and stopped into 7-11 for treats to celebrate.

I pray that this is Johanna's first of many receptions of the sacrament and she stays connected to that grace.