Preparation for the first reception of this sacrament usually
takes place in the second grade of the SRE (Sunday Religious Education) classes.  Parish policy states that a student must attend SRE classes for one year prior to acceptance into the sacramental preparation class.  A mandatory parent meeting is part of this preparation.

Reconciliation is the sacrament of forgiveness and spiritual healing.  The word “confession” clearly stresses the fact that in this sacrament we verbalize our sinfulness, disclose our failures, and mention our mistakes to the priest who represents Christ and the Church, and absolves us and reminds us of the Lord’s forgiveness.

“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.”  - CATECHISM OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH