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Confession
According to Church teaching, after having attained the age of discretion, each of the faithful is bound by an obligation faithfully to confess serious sins at least once a year. However, we are encouraged to receive the Sacrament of Penance frequently, even monthly, throughout our lifetime so that we can benefit from the graces we obtain through reception of this sacrament.

First Reconciliation
The Sacrament of Penance is to precede First Eucharist. Formal instruction for Penance is to be separate and distinct from preparation for the reception of First Eucharist. The value of this practice is to catechize the children, from the age of reason, to the true Christian spirit of penance and conversion, to growth in self-knowledge and self-control, to a true sense of sin, even venial sin, to the necessity of asking pardon from God, and above all to a loving and confident abandonment to the mercy of the Lord. In no circumstances should a child receive First Eucharist without first having received the Sacrament of Penance.