Jesus came to make the love of God known to all of us, reaching out to sinners to bring them God’s forgiveness and mercy. This is why he gave us the sacrament of Reconciliation, or Confession. The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches us that, "Individual and integral confession of grave sins followed by absolution remains the only ordinary means of reconciliation with God and with the Church."

The celebration of First Reconciliation occurs during the fall for Second Grade students. To prepare for the sacrament, second graders at St. Stephen Martyr School, and IPFFF (Inter-Parish Family Faith Formation) children begin their classroom catechesis soon after school starts. Families are included in the child's preparation through parent meetings and evening sessions for parents and children.

Those who have already made their first Reconciliation should continue to confess their sins frequently.

Regular monthly confessions are highly recommended. Confession helps us to identify our sins, helps us to grow in humility by articulating them, our sins are forgiven by Christ himself, and we are given the grace to struggle against sin and grow in holiness.