In Confession, we receive God's unconditional love and forgiveness.

When are confessions available?

Should my child go to confession before having his/her first Communion?

• Yes, every child MUST make a first confession before receiving Communion the first time. It is important for everyone who receives Communion to be in a state of grace (without serious sin) when receiving Jesus in the sacrament. While we are not assuming any child is in a state of serious sin, it is important for communicants to make a first confession and then to continue seeking God's mercy and grace in the sacrament of confession going forward. We will encourage children to receive the graces of confession again in the week(s) leading up to his/her First Communion.

How long do we prepare before making a first confession?

• Ideally, your child will be ready to make a first confession once you have completed the lessons in the blue folder of your Go, Seek, Find! program. These are the at-home materials you received at retreat.

How do I know when my child is ready to make a first confession?

• Before your child makes his/her first confession, have a conversation with your child using the Parent/Child Discernment Conversation handout
• Review the Is my Child Ready for first Reconciliation? handout
• If your child is not ready and/or needs more resources to prepare for first confession, please do not worry! Know you can reach out to our St. Gabriel Staff/Family Faith team for more resources and support.

What do we do if my child is not ready to make a first confession before his/her first Communion?

• It is important for your child to be able to make a first confession before he/she receives First Communion. If your child is not ready to make a first confession before his/her First Communion, then you will be asked to join the next Sacramental group and continue to prepare with your child until he/she is ready to make a first confession.

How often should my child go to confession?

• The Church says that practicing Catholics go to the sacrament of reconciliation at least once per year and/or when in a state of serious sin. The graces of the sacrament are there to enable us to live a life of grace and to strengthen us to avoid sin. Much like your child's First Communion, this is a sacrament that he/she will be able to continue to seek for grace and nourishment along his/her spiritual journey.

Where can I find more resources to prepare my child for first confession?

• St. Gabriel staff
• Family Faith catechists
• FORMED