Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation

“Those who approach the sacrament of Penance obtain pardon from God’s mercy for the offense committed against him, and are, at the same time, reconciled with the Church which they have wounded by their sins and which by charity, by example, and by prayer labors for their conversion (CCC #1422)."

This sacrament of Reconciliation is celebrated by a child during a retreat on the day before First Communion, which is celebrated on the first or second Sunday in May of each year.

A child, having grown to understand the meaning of sin and of God’s love and mercy, makes his/her confession of sin for the first time and receives God’s forgiveness through the words of forgiveness pronounced by the priest.

This celebration can be a time of grace for parents who are encouraged to seek and obtain forgiveness for themselves.

Direct preparation for this sacrament begins the previous September, but indirect preparation begins with the family’s practice of the faith, attending regular weekend Mass, participating in the life of the parish, and educating their children at Cathedral School.