Children and the Sacraments
Confirmation, Eucharist, and Penance
Archdiocese of Brisbane Sacramental Policy, May 1997

9. The opportunity for the celebration of sacramental reconciliation precedes the first reception of eucharist.

The current discipline of the Church is that a child is first introduced to penance, and then to eucharist. (cf. General Catechetical Directory [Addendum] and subsequent Roman responses to questions) Any practice which created a situation in which children could not or would not normally celebrate penance first would contravene this discipline. On the other hand, the Code of Canon Law is clear that Catholics are only bound to confess in the sacrament of penance any grave sin they are aware of having committed. A greater obligation than this cannot be imposed on a small child.

It is important in dealing with such a clearly defined pastoral practice that our theological and liturgical expectations are realistically accommodated to the age and development of the children. Conversion (metanoia) is an on-going dimension of every Christian's life. The first celebration of the sacrament of penance provides an occasion for the child to appropriate more fully this gift of conversion received in baptism. However, it must be understood that at a tender age a child's understanding of sin and personal culpability differs from that of an adult, and must be taken into account.

For younger children, the actual experience of the sacrament, regularly repeated, is the most significant education they receive in its meaning. Their conceptual level is quite concrete; they learn most by doing. Therefore the policy of the Archdiocese of Brisbane does not require a formal parish program of sacramental preparation for the sacrament of penance at this stage. Parents will need information and education on penance, sin and conversion before their child is enrolled in the preparation program for confirmation and first communion. This will enable them to guide their child into the experience of the sacrament of penance. But for the child, the first participation in the celebration of penance will be low-key, celebrated together with other members of the family, and without special build-up.