The Sacrament of Reconciliation, also called the Sacrament of Penance or Confession, celebrates the unfailing forgiveness that God extends to us.
Through this sacrament, we receive God’s mercy and forgiveness for our sins and are reconciled with God, with ourselves, and with the church.
Children preparing for Confirmation/First Eucharist are always prepared to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation before the celebration of Confirmation/Eucharist. This preparation usually occurs when the child reaches the age of reason, or around the second grade or older.
The Sacrament of Reconciliation may be received countless times throughout a person’s life. According to the Precepts of the Catholic Church, Catholics must confess serious sins at least once a year. In addition, Catholics must confess all known mortal sins before participating in any other sacraments of the Church.