Not only does it [the Sacrament of Penance] free us from our sins but it also challenges us to have the same kind of compassion and forgiveness for those who sin against us.  We are liberated to be forgivers.  We obtain new insight into the words of the Prayer of St. Francis: "It is in pardoning that we are pardoned." Jesus entrusted the ministry of reconciliation to the Church.  The Sacrament of Penance is God's gift to us so that any sin committed after Baptism can be forgiven.  In confession, we have the opportunity to repent and recover the grace of friendship with God. It is a holy moment in which we place ourselves in his presence and honestly acknowledge our sins, especially mortal sins.  With absolution, we are reconciled to God and the Church. The Sacrament helps us stay close to the truth that we cannot live without God. "In him, we live and move and have 

• First Reconciliation and Penance Services:

  Children typically prepare for First Reconciliation during second grade after having received a year of religious education through a Catholic school or Parish School of Religion. Children wishing to receive First Reconciliation must be attending weekend Masses in our parish and St. Mary Catholic School or the Parish School of Religion, as well as participate in the First Reconciliation preparation program. A pre-approved home-school program is an option for those who cannot attend St. Mary School or Parish School of Religion.
  
  Our parish celebrates First Reconciliation each year during Advent with a special communal Reconciliation service for the students and their families. The Sacrament of Reconciliation includes examining our conscience, the act of confessing sins and asking for forgiveness, receiving absolution and doing penance.

• Our parish offers communal penance services in the seasons of Advent and Lent.  Many elements in these services are similar to when you go to individual confession. The prayers are simply recited as a community rather than individually. Please remember to have the children go to individual confession on a regular basis (monthly or seasonally) to remember what they have learned about God’s love and forgiveness.