Penance takes its place of honor as the Sacrament that celebrates forgiveness and healing throughout one's life.

The freedom, rights and responsibilities of parents and children are uppermost in determining the time for First Penance. The child's understanding of forgiveness, reconciliation and the Sacrament of Penance is an ongoing part of the religious formation in the parish and school.

A child cannot be presented for First Penance unless he/she regularly is part of parish worship, and the religious formation process of the parish, AACT (All Ages Catholic Teaching). In preparation for First Penance, part of the program that is offered is for parents for their own formation, and to assist them in providing the proper environment for their children.  Parents are required to participate in this preparation.

Parents are to see that there is a minimum interval of at least three months between the reception of First Penance and First Eucharist. First Penance is usually celebrated first.

Children may celebrate their First Penance at a Parish communal celebration held at the beginning of the Season of Advent or Lent, or individually either by appointment or at the regularly scheduled confession time on the first Saturday of the month.  All children should receive the Sacrament of Penance by fourth grade or 10 years of age.

Adults celebrate the Sacrament of Penance as an integral part of the Christian Initiation process. 

First Penance Preparation Sessions for children are held on the following dates:

• Sunday, October 9, 2011 in conjunction with AACT for children and parents.
• Sunday, November 13, 2011 in conjunction with AACT for children and parents.
• Sunday, December 4, 2011 in conjunction with AACT for children and parents.

All AACT sessions begin at 12:15pm and are held in the Parish Hall.