First Reconciliation

The Gift of God’s Mercy: Confession Before First Communion

The Sacrament of Reconciliation—also known as Confession or Penance—is a beautiful gift of healing through which we receive God's mercy and forgiveness. Instituted by Christ, this sacrament restores our relationship with God and the Church when we have sinned, and it prepares our hearts to receive the Eucharist with love and reverence.

Before receiving their First Holy Communion, children are carefully prepared to celebrate Reconciliation. They learn to recognize right from wrong, examine their conscience, express true sorrow, and understand that God is always ready to forgive. In this sacrament, they meet Jesus, the Good Shepherd, who lovingly seeks out the lost and rejoices when they return.

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”  1 John 1:9

Through the ministry of the priest, acting in the person of Christ, the penitent confesses their sins, receives a penance, and hears the words of absolution—a powerful assurance that their sins are truly forgiven. This first encounter with God’s mercy lays the foundation for a lifelong journey of conversion, grace, and communion with Christ.

How to Confess My Sins (for children)
The penitent (or person going to confession) has the option to go to Confession behind a screen or face to face. When the penitent is ready to go to Confession, this is what happen
1. The priest welcomes you and you make the sign of the cross, saying aloud, “In the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”
2. Then say, “Bless me, Father, for I have sinned. This is my first confession. (After your first confession, when you go again, say: It has been ___________ since my last confession).” (tell how long it has been, for example, 2 months)
3. Then, tell the priest your sins.
4. Listen to any words of help from the priest and the penance that you should do after leaving Confession. When the priest asks you to make your "Act of Contrition," say out loud the prayer.

An Act of Contrition

My God, I am sorry for my sins with all my heart.

In choosing to do wrong and failing to do good,

I have sinned against you whom I should love above all things.

I firmly intend, with your help, to do penance, to sin no more

and to avoid whatever leads me to sin.

Our Savior Jesus Christ suffered and died for us.

In his name, my God, have mercy. Amen.

Acto de Contrición:

Dios mío, me arrepiento de todo corazón

de todo lo malo que he hecho y de todo lo bueno que he dejado de hacer, 

porque pecando te he ofendido a ti, que eres el sumo bien y digno de ser amado sobre todas las cosas. 

Propongo firmemente, con tu gracia, cumplir la penitencia, no volver a pecar y evitar las ocasiones de pecado. 

Perdóname, Señor, por los méritos de la pasión de nuestro Salvador Jesucristo. Amén.

5. Then the priest says the prayer of absolution and God forgives you. The priest tells me to “Go in peace” and you say: "Thank you."

An Examination of Conscience for children can be found  here

For information on First Reconciliation (confession) times, see here.

Preparation Highlights & Meeting Times

To register your child, view details on formation, including important meeting dates, please see the First Communion page.