“The whole power of the sacrament of Penance consists in restoring us to God’s grace and joining us with him in an intimate friendship.” Reconciliation with God is thus the purpose and effect of this sacrament. For those who receive the sacrament of Penance with contrite heart and religious disposition, reconciliation “is usually followed by peace and serenity of conscience with strong spiritual consolation.” Indeed the sacrament of Reconciliation with God brings about a true “spiritual resurrection,” restoration of the dignity and blessings of the life of the children of God, of which the most precious is friendship with God.

This sacrament reconciles us with the Church. Sin damages or even breaks fraternal communion. The sacrament of Penance repairs or restores it. In this sense, it does not simply heal the one restored to ecclesial communion but has also a revitalizing effect on the life of the Church which suffered from the sin of one of her members. - Catechism of the Catholic Church - 1468-1469

Seven is the typical age to receive First Reconciliation. This requirement may be waived at the discretion of the Pastor in consultation with the child's parents and the First Reconciliation teacher.

At Christ the King, we utilize the Signs of Grace curriculum from the Augustine Insititute to prepare our youth to receive their first communion and reconciliation.  

You are Forgiven includes seven sessions. Each presents the good news of salvation offered to us in Jesus Christ, with a focus on helping children understand intellectually, spiritually, and emotionally that the Sacrament of Reconciliation is a real encounter with him, and that he desires to forgive and heal us at the deepest levels of our humanity.