Reconciliation

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.
- United States Catholic Catechism for Adults

Our relationship with God and others can suffer damage.
We are not perfect. We sin. The Sacrament of Reconciliation repairs that damage.
The Sacrament gives a new start.   We can turn around.

It is the official policy of our diocese, in keeping with the practice of the universal church, that young people are to be prepared to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation, also known as Penance or Confession, before receiving the Eucharist for the first time.  Some parents wonder if their child is ready to receive Reconciliation at this young age.  You know your child best and it is up to you to decide when your child is ready to receive these two sacraments. 

Generally children are judged old enough to receive these sacraments any time after their 7th birthday.  Children are considered mature enough to receive Reconciliation when they have an understanding of the difference between a mistake and a choice to do something wrong, and know that God loves them no matter what they have done.  
Children are considered mature enough to receive their first Eucharist when they are able to express a desire to receive the Eucharist , participate regularly at Mass and recognize that there is a difference between the Eucharist and ordinary bread and wine. 

Please keep in mind that we prepare children so they may embrace these sacraments to the best of their ability.  It is not our expectation that they will or should have a fully mature understanding of them.  As Pope St. Pius X so wisely understood, when moving the celebration of first Eucharist to the age of reason, children do not need to fully understand the mystery of these sacraments to receive the fullness of their grace.  It is the job of our entire faith community to lead them to a full appreciation of these sacraments as they grow to maturity.