Why do children make their first confession at such a young age?
5th July 2009 - 14th Sunday In Ordinary Time

My son is in first grade and about to make his first confession. I think this is harmful; he’s too young to commit a serious sin, and now he’s very anxious about whether he sinning. Why does the Church think this is good for children? - Concerned Mother

Dear Concerned Mother,

A child’s understanding of sin is much different from that of a rational adult but, in general, children reach the age of reason at seven. This means they are able to understand the difference between right and wrong and thus know when they’ve sinned. It isn’t harmful for children to make their first confession even if they haven’t committed serious sin because they still receive the grace of the sacrament.

If you feel your child won’t understand what he’s doing or that he isn’t at the point in his development where he is able to understand sin, talk to your catechist or director of religious education about having your child wait before he makes his first confession and first Communion.

But it’s important to begin good habits while we’re young. By helping your son see how he has sinned and teaching him to ask forgiveness from the God who loves him, you’ll teach him important skills he’ll use for the rest of his life

Patrick Keyes, C.Ss.R.