"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all injustice." - 1 John 1:5-10, 2:1-2

The Sacrament of Reconciliation

The Sacrament of Reconciliation—also called Confession, Penance, or the Sacrament of Conversion—is the way God offers us forgiveness for sins committed after Baptism. Through this sacrament, we experience God’s mercy, healing, and renewed grace in our lives.

Reconciliation is meant for our spiritual healing. In the Gospel of John, after the Resurrection, Jesus appeared to His apostles and entrusted them with this sacred responsibility: "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all injustice." - 1 John 1:5-10, 2:1-2

Because of this moment, the Church continues Christ’s mission of forgiveness through the ministry of priests.

First Reconciliation for Children

First Reconciliation is an important milestone in a child’s faith journey and is typically prepared for during the second-grade year.

Preparation includes:

• Parent meetings

• Classroom instruction

• Faith-centered activities that help children understand forgiveness and God’s mercy

These experiences help children grow in their understanding of sin, forgiveness, and the loving mercy of God.

Why Do Catholics Go to Confession?

Through the Sacrament of Reconciliation, we:

• Receive God’s forgiveness

• Experience spiritual healing

• Restore our relationship with God and the Church

• Prepare our hearts to receive Holy Eucharist

Catholics are called to confess all known mortal sins to a priest. Doing so restores us to the state of grace necessary to receive the Eucharist.

Venial (minor) sins are also forgiven through the reception of the Holy Eucharist.

Is Confession Difficult or Scary?

Helping Your Child Feel Comfortable with Confession

It’s very common for children (and even parents!) to feel a little nervous before going to Confession for the first time. That’s completely normal. The Sacrament of Reconciliation is not meant to be scary—it is meant to be a moment of peace, forgiveness, and God’s loving mercy.

During preparation, children learn that Confession is simply a chance to talk honestly with God and receive His forgiveness. The priest is there to help guide them, encourage them, and remind them of how much God loves them.

You can explain to your child that just like we sometimes need help from people we trust—like a doctor when we’re sick or a teacher when we need guidance—we go to a priest so we can receive God’s healing and mercy.

Parents can also reassure their children that everything said in Confession is completely private. Priests are bound by the Seal of Confession, which is the strictest confidentiality in the world. A priest can never reveal what someone says in Confession under any circumstances—not even to the Pope.

Most children discover that after their first Confession, they feel relieved, peaceful, and happy, knowing that God’s love and forgiveness are always there for them.

What Happens During Reconciliation?

The Sacrament of Reconciliation includes three actions from the penitent and the priest’s absolution.

The penitent:

1. Repents – expressing sorrow for sins

2. Confesses – honestly sharing sins with the priest

3. Makes Reparation – committing to make things right and completing the assigned penance

The priest then offers absolution, through which God grants forgiveness and restores us to grace.

Reconciliation at Saints Francis & Clare of Assisi

Reconciliation Days and Times

FOR MORE INFORMATION