"In imparting to his apostles his own power to forgive sins the Lord also gives them the authority to reconcile sinners with the Church. This ecclesial dimension of their task is expressed most notably in Christ's solemn words to Simon Peter: "I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven." "The office of binding and loosing which was given to Peter was also assigned to the college of the apostles united to its head."

Our process of forming children for the reception of the Sacrament of Reconciliation for the first time is designed to nourish the child within the context of family and community.  It will enable parents/guardians to help their child understand sin and forgiveness and to celebrate the Sacrament for the first time, and throughout their lives.  It will be an experience in which the children meet Jesus and learn that they are an important part of a loving community.

The Dallas Diocese designates that a child must be prepared for the Sacrament of Reconciliation prior to preparing for the Celebration of First Communion.