Reconciliation
Through Reconciliation, Christians are freed from sins committed after Baptism. The Sacrament of Reconciliation is considered the normal way to be absolved from mortal sins which, it is believed, would otherwise condemn a person to Hell.
The Sacrament has four elements, three on the part of the penitent (contrition, confession and satisfaction) and one on the part of the minister of the Sacrament (absolution).
Catholics distinguish between two types of sin: Mortal sins are a grave violation of God's law that turns man away from God. Someone who is aware of having committed mortal sins must repent of having done so, and must confess them in order to benefit from the Sacrament. Venial sins, the kind that "does not set us in direct opposition to the will and friendship of God", can be remitted by contrition and reception of other Sacraments, but they too are rightly and usefully declared in confession.
Schedule for Reconciliation
Reconciliation classes are
intended for any children, grade 2 and up,
ages 7-9, who are capable of understand the great gift of Reconciliation,
have reached the "age of reason."
It is strongly suggested they attend with both parents. First Reconciliation classes are now required before the child can take Confirmation and First Eucharist.