The Sacrament of Reconciliation reminds us that Jesus began His work on earth by calling
people to repentance and faith: “Reform your lives and believe in the gospel.” (Mark 1,15). The
sacrament of God’s love and forgiveness continues his work of forgiving and reconciling.
Catechesis of children for reconciliation must always respect the natural disposition, ability, age and circumstances of individuals and seeks to...

• make clear the relationship of the sacrament to the child’s life;
• help the child recognize moral good and evil, repent of wrong doing, and turn to Jesus and
• the Church for forgiveness.
• encourage the child to see that, in this sacrament, faith is expressed by being forgiven and forgiving;
• encourage the child to approach the sacrament freely and regularly.

Reception of the Sacrament:
The first reception of the Sacrament of Reconciliation is usually celebrated in January. All
children preparing to receive their First Eucharist must first be instructed and prepared to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

Preparation of Children for Reconciliation:
Preparation begin in the second grade level and is a joint effort between parent and catechist. Instruction includes the second grade curriculum covered weekly in class as well as a focus on the sacrament of Reconciliation that that helps children learn what it means to share Jesus’ gift of Himself, to know they are forgiven, and understand that they belong to the community of Jesus’ friends – the Church.

Responsibilities of Parents as their Child prepares for Reconciliation:
The example set by parents is of the utmost importance. Because parents are the primary
educators of their children, they are responsible for initiating their children into the sacramental
life of the church. Parents are expected to:

• Serve as models for their children by being moral Christians;
• Receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation regularly with their families;
• Help children in forming a good conscience and a Christian code of morality;
• Attend parent sessions and participate in activities and prayer services that are planned to help their child prepare for the Sacrament of Reconciliation;
• Take time with their child to talk about reconciliation, to read Bible stories and to pray together;
• Determine their child’s readiness for Reconciliation.