First Confession

First Confession 

The Diocese of Phoenix allows its parishes to begin preparation for First Confession (Penance, Reconciliation) with children in Grade 2. It is not mandatory that the children receive their First Confession in Grade 2. It is the decision of the parents to let us know if their child is ready to receive sacraments.

Recognizing Readiness
Children, according to their age and capacity, are to be considered ready to celebrate their First Confession when there is:
- an awareness that God loves them
- regular participation in Sunday Mass
- prayer as a part of the child's life and also experienced within their family
- a growing ability to distinguish between accidents and the right and wrong choices they make
- a capacity for sincere sorrow and the ability to change their actions
- the ability to express sorrow for sin and knowledge that the relationship with God and others can be broken through sin
- an understanding that the Sacrament of Penance and Reconconciliation is a special sign of God's forgiveness

Children must receive their First Confession before they can begin preparation for the sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist.

For more information on First Confession, call Gerri Porteous in the Christian Formation Office at 480-998-2256