First Reconciliation

[ilovekittens]

My seven-year-old, first grade son will be receiving this sacrament in a few months. My question is, why does the Church recommend this sacrament at such an early age? I don’t know if 6 and 7 year-old kids, especially my son, are really capable of sinning. He is no angel, but I think whatever wrong actions he takes are largely based on impulse rather than conscious reflection and deliberate decision. When he shoves his sister because she has his toy, that is basically an act of impulse and wrong, but I don’t think could objectively be called by anyone a sin. I don’t think people can really commit sin until the brain is fully developed and they are capable of making deliberate, rational decisions. That “wiring”/myelination of the brain isn’t fully complete until the late teen years, I think, which seems a more reasonable age to offer this sacrament.

I suppose one could argue that receiving and learning about this sacrament is a way of promoting a sense of right/wrong morality at an early age, but I still don’t really believe that any wrong action committed by someone so young could rightfully be called a sin.

What say you?

 

[benedictgal]

My seven-year-old, first grade son will be receiving this sacrament in a few months. My question is, why does the Church recommend this sacrament at such an early age? I don’t know if 6 and 7 year-old kids, especially my son, are really capable of sinning. He is no angel, but I think whatever wrong actions he takes are largely based on impulse rather than conscious reflection and deliberate decision. When he shoves his sister because she has his toy, that is basically an act of impulse and wrong, but I don’t think could objectively be called by anyone a sin. I don’t think people can really commit sin until the brain is fully developed and they are capable of making deliberate, rational decisions. That “wiring”/myelination of the brain isn’t fully complete until the late teen years, I think, which seems a more reasonable age to offer this sacrament.

I suppose one could argue that receiving and learning about this sacrament is a way of promoting a sense of right/wrong morality at an early age, but I still don’t really believe that any wrong action committed by someone so young could rightfully be called a sin.

What say you?

They are obviously not quite capable of mortal sin, but, there is certainly venial sin. For example: if you tell your son to turn off the TV in his room and go to bed, and, 10 minutes later, it’s still on, he’s disobeyed you. That is wrong because you told him to do something and he didn’t do it. Or, let’s say that he’s playing softball with his friends and he’s hit a home-run, but, the ball crashes through your neighbor’s front window and your son (who hit the ball) says that he didn’t do it and refuses to take responsibility. That’s a lie.

As a parent, you teach your child to brush his teeth every night and wash his hands after using the bathroom because you want him to establish good hygene. You tell him to do his homework and study so that he can pass his classes and move up the academic ladder.

As a Catholic parent, you also need to make sure that your child gets off on the right path along his journey of faith. He needs to learn about sin and about the dangers it brings about. Sin is a cancer that affects the soul. If, as a child, he doesn’t realize the danger that sin causes, he won’t recognize the wrong that sin begets as he gets older. Furthermore, First Penance introduces your child to this very important sacrament of healing and forgiveness that the Church offers. It makes him very aware of the need to recognize when he’s done wrong and, through this sacrament, ask God for forgiveness.

Obviously, he’s not going to go in there and say he killed someone when he first steps into the confessional. But, it is important for him to know what is right and what is wrong. Cheating on a test, lying to mom and dad, stealing someone’s dessert or saying hurtful things to someone (making fun of other kids, for example) are wrong, and are the kinds of things that are addressed in the Confessional. It also gives him the chance to realize that God is working through the priest and, that it is certainly a good thing to make use of this sacrament.

I hope this helps. I don’t have kids, myself, just dachshunds. But, I do think that it is important for children to make use of this important sacrament and to develop a good sense of right from wrong. It was certainly something St. John Bosco advocated for the boys under his care.

 

[OutinChgoburbs]

The Church has mandated that children who will be making their First Communions must be offered the opportunity to go to confession prior to receiving their First Communion. There are a few DREs out there who think they can change this by putting communion before Confession, but that’s not the way it’s done.

For somebody without kids, benedictgal has given you a really good post on why it is important for kids to go to confession.

As a parent, I can say that First Reconciliation is a wonderful thing! If a child has the wherewithall to punch another kid because he or she has something the child desires; to lie to get out of doing something; to ignore parents, to get sassy, to talk back; to take a candy bar off the shelf and sneak it into his or her pocket when he or she has no intention of paying for it; then the child has the capactiy to sin.

I would rather give my child (and have) the opportunity to go to Jesus through the priest, confess their sin, and realize that Jesus forgives him or her; than to excuse himself or herself as being too young to know what he or she is doing. My first grader, who has not yet made her first confession, still has to say a simple act of contrition when caught in the wrong, and try to correct the damage caused as much as possible,even if it is only something that mean seem “childish” to other people.

Just because the myelination is not complete does not make the child not culpable for their actions. If that were so, then we’d all be off the hook for a variety of things until our 17th or 18th birthdays!

If you are afraid for him to experience the sacrament, please don’t be. These is not the days of the darkened confessional and crabby pastor! The children get to 'test drive" the reconciliation room at least once before the Big Day. They are supposed to have a choice of a screen or “old time” confessional, or face-to-face. Catechists and classroom teachers of this age group are very sensitive to the children. Priests are briefed about little people and their needs, and most are so gentle twith the children! Most first reconciliations are family and class events, set in the context of a penance service. Parents and siblings are given the opportunity to go to confession as well during the time frame, to show the child there is nothing to fear and set a good example. There might even be cookies and punch after (Just don’t photograph or bring the video camera into the confessional while your child confesses).

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

My seven-year-old, first grade son will be receiving this sacrament in a few months. My question is, why does the Church recommend this sacrament at such an early age? I don’t know if 6 and 7 year-old kids, especially my son, are really capable of sinning. He is no angel, but I think whatever wrong actions he takes are largely based on impulse rather than conscious reflection and deliberate decision. When he shoves his sister because she has his toy, that is basically an act of impulse and wrong, but I don’t think could objectively be called by anyone a sin. I don’t think people can really commit sin until the brain is fully developed and they are capable of making deliberate, rational decisions. That “wiring”/myelination of the brain isn’t fully complete until the late teen years, I think, which seems a more reasonable age to offer this sacrament.

I suppose one could argue that receiving and learning about this sacrament is a way of promoting a sense of right/wrong morality at an early age, but I still don’t really believe that any wrong action committed by someone so young could rightfully be called a sin.

What say you?

You are basically correct. This is why the Church does not actually use an age when speaking of these points in a personal development. The Terms used are “Age of Discretion” and “Catechetical Age” they are ABOUT 7 or 8 Yo.

Maybe your child is not at the “Age of Discretion” which should be when he is able to tell the difference between right and wrong, and is capable of making a decision to act or not act in a certain way.

So you may be totally correct for your son. He may not be ready for Reconciliation and First Holy Communion, maybe for him it will be 8 or even 9. Since you are his primary teacher when it comes to preparing for the Sacraments your (name removed by moderator)ut to the pastor and DRE is critical and will determine if he is ready or not.

 

[SMHW]

Even if you think your son is not really capable of sinning, sometime around his current age he is/will be capable of understanding the concept of sin. It may be an immature concept, but children can and do understand.

 

[IrishAm]

A 7-year-old certainly understands the difference between right and wrong, and the concept of “choosing to do wrong or failing to do good.” And then we spend the rest of our life fine-tuning that concept.

Having taught religious education to 2nd graders for about a decade a while back, I found First Reconciliation perhaps more moving and powerful a sacramental initiation than First Communion, which could sometimes become spiritually lost in all the trappings of parties, clothes, and family. Our parish would have the Reconciliations on a cold, dark, January night and it always seemed a little lighter afterwards.

And, not that anyone asked, but my recommendation for helping prepare your youngster for his First Reconciliation is to go yourself!

 

[mercygate]

A 7-year-old certainly understands the difference between right and wrong, and the concept of “choosing to do wrong or failing to do good.” And then we spend the rest of our life fine-tuning that concept.

Having taught religious education to 2nd graders for about a decade a while back, I found First Reconciliation perhaps more moving and powerful a sacramental initiation than First Communion, which could sometimes become spiritually lost in all the trappings of parties, clothes, and family. Our parish would have the Reconciliations on a cold, dark, January night and it always seemed a little lighter afterwards.

And, not that anyone asked, but my recommendation for helping prepare your youngster for his First Reconciliation is to go yourself!

As a convert, when I came into the Church, I looked upon my general confession as a real watershed. In doing my examen, I dismissed the advice I had heard that “childhood doesn’t belong here” and realized that the petty, petulant, and impulsive sins of my childhood were not somehow “different” from the sins of my adolescence and adulthood but had actually seeded the ground.

Forming a rational conscience, learning that “shoving your sister” is something ultimately that MUST be controlled, cannot begin too early. Not to build both behavior and conscience according to Christian norms is to allow children to wander intio adulthood without developing the higher parts of their humanity (knowledge, will) that may make us capable of willful sin (i.e., mortal sin) but that also bring us closer to God.

This process is not accomplished in a day and the earlier we start, the better our chance of achieving the goal.

 

[John_Lilburne]

… I don’t think people can really commit sin until the brain is fully developed and they are capable of making deliberate, rational decisions. That “wiring”/myelination of the brain isn’t fully complete until the late teen years, I think, which seems a more reasonable age to offer this sacrament. …

Two ten year olds were convicted of murdering a two year old, James Patrick Bulger, on 12 February 1993, in England. I think they sinned.

A Grade 2 school book has:
“Q. When does a person sin?
A. A person sins when he freely chooses what he knows to be wrong.”

Then it has two columns “IT IS RIGHT” and “IT IS WRONG”. Under “IT IS WRONG” it has:
“to choose never to speak to God,
to choose not to go to Mass on Sundays,
to choose to play or show off in church,
to choose to disobey …
to say unkind things about my playmates,
to want to hurt them,
to tell lies and cheat,
to take what I know is not mine,
to quarrel and fight,
to be lazy.”

From My Way to God 2, E.J.Dwyer, Sydney, Australia, 1964, page 96.

 

[Brendan]

My seven-year-old, first grade son will be receiving this sacrament in a few months. My question is, why does the Church recommend this sacrament at such an early age? I don’t know if 6 and 7 year-old kids, especially my son, are really capable of sinning.

Yes they are. By the very fact that they have sufficent reasoning ablility to recognize Christ in the Eucharist, they have sufficent understanding to sin.

For a person cannot know and recognize God without having the ablity to recognize the absence of God, which is sin.

If the child can understand that God does not want them to do an action, and willing choose to do it, that is sin.

And yes, that can extent to mortal sin, especially in the area of the prohibitions of Natural Law, which are ( as St. Paul put it) “written on the hearts of all men”.

That is why the Church has required that this Sacrament be recieved before the Sacrament of the Eucharist can be recieved.

 

[puzzleannie]

My seven-year-old, first grade son will be receiving this sacrament in a few months. My question is, why does the Church recommend this sacrament at such an early age? I don’t know if 6 and 7 year-old kids, especially my son, are really capable of sinning. ?

the sacrament is required before first communion (and confirmation by the way) and is not to be conferred, in the Roman rite, before the age of discrection or reason, generally about age 7, and as you say that may vary by the individual child, but is generally the age when children can discern right from wrong, know the difference between an intentional sin and an accident, can understand the reasons why they must obey their parents and God’s laws, understand that harm comes from disobedience and this is called “sin”, have some development of conscience, recognize the need to apologize and ask forgiveness, and want and need the consolation of knowing they have been forgiven.

I think these are characteristic of the average 7 year old. If there is a developmental reason why confession should be delayed, perhaps indefinitely, the family and catechist or DRE should discuss it with the priest, so the child can receive first communion at the right time.

the bishops are free to set the normal age for first reception sacraments in their own diocese but what cannot be ignored is the mandate that first confession comes before first communion.

I do agree that many children today have not been taught right and wrong and have been brought up to think any behavior no matter how harmful, destructive or just plain aggravating, is acceptable, even in public places, even at church. In such cases some intense parent education is advisable.

 

[ilovekittens]

I think there is a difference between knowing the distinction between right and wrong and having the forethought to apply that knowledge to every action one takes, and thus having real responsibility for one’s actions. My son can recognize the wrongfulness of his transgressions (which are all terribly minor) after the fact, but, just before he shoves his sister, I don’t think there’s any great mental, moral calculus going on, in which he actively decides to do the shoving, consequences be darned. Thus, I don’t know that his little wrongs can rightfully be called sins, and thus I don’t quite understand the **need **to seek formal absolution from God for these errors, at this age.
As I said above, for developmental, neurological reasons, I think the ability to have that sort of active mental, moral calculus really doesn’t occur until one is close to 18-20, or so. And I can’t imagine that our ever-loving, ever-forgiving God would subject my little boy to eternal punishment in Purgatory (or worse), if he doesn’t mindfully seek forgiveness in the formal setting of Reconciliation.

With all that said, I’m not totally against the idea of confession for first-graders, and he’s going to do it. I can recognize that going through the process is one way of indoctrinating a sense of morality into their little frontal cortexes, which in the long run is a good thing - but still not a basis for need of the actual Sacrament at this age, I personally don’t think.

 

[Phemie]

I think there is a difference between knowing the distinction between right and wrong and having the forethought to apply that knowledge to every action one takes, and thus having real responsibility for one’s actions. My son can recognize the wrongfulness of his transgressions (which are all terribly minor) after the fact, but, just before he shoves his sister, I don’t think there’s any great mental, moral calculus going on, in which he actively decides to do the shoving, consequences be darned. Thus, I don’t know that his little wrongs can rightfully be called sins, and thus I don’t quite understand the **need **to seek formal absolution from God for these errors, at this age.
As I said above, for developmental, neurological reasons, I think the ability to have that sort of active mental, moral calculus really doesn’t occur until one is close to 18-20, or so. And I can’t imagine that our ever-loving, ever-forgiving God would subject my little boy to eternal punishment in Purgatory (or worse), if he doesn’t mindfully seek forgiveness in the formal setting of Reconciliation.

With all that said, I’m not totally against the idea of confession for first-graders, and he’s going to do it. I can recognize that going through the process is one way of indoctrinating a sense of morality into their little frontal cortexes, which in the long run is a good thing - but still not a basis for need of the actual Sacrament at this age, I personally don’t think.

I don’t know that I agree. I remember stealing a button from my grandmother’s sewing box when I was about 5. It was a black button with a “diamond” center. 49 years later I still remember the 'should I, shouldn’t I" that went on before I actually pocketed that insignificant little thing and hid it so that my mom wouldn’t find out. When she did find it, I was made to take it back and apologize – had I but asked she would have happily given it to me in the first place.

So, yes, some things like pushing your sister may be spur of the moment at that age (even lying to get away from punishment when confronted may fall under that umbrella) but there is capacity to choose to do something with full knowledge that it’s wrong.

 

[puzzleannie]

well I spend a lot of time with children, raised a few, and helping to raise a few more, plus kids in CCD, and yeah, they most definitely know the difference between right and wrong and are able to consciously decide to do a naughty, fully aware of the consequences, to lie about it to avoid those consequences, and to feel the justice of their punishment, and to learn from the experience of discipline, transgression, penance, forgiveness and reconcilation (the primary way children learn about this sacrament is through the way parents model these steps for their children).’

to deny these children, when they have reached to age to make conscious decisions and choices about their actions, the opportunity to confess, receive absolution, do penance and formally express contrition is a grave abuse and denial of a sacrament. they are capable not only of mild but severe transgression, and of very deep contrition as well, so it is wrong to deny or trivialize their feelings.

 

[Catholic90]

I think there is a difference between knowing the distinction between right and wrong and having the forethought to apply that knowledge to every action one takes, and thus having real responsibility for one’s actions. My son can recognize the wrongfulness of his transgressions (which are all terribly minor) after the fact, but, just before he shoves his sister, I don’t think there’s any great mental, moral calculus going on, in which he actively decides to do the shoving, consequences be darned. Thus, I don’t know that his little wrongs can rightfully be called sins, and thus I don’t quite understand the need to seek formal absolution from God for these errors, at this age.
As I said above, for developmental, neurological reasons, I think the ability to have that sort of active mental, moral calculus really doesn’t occur until one is close to 18-20, or so. And I can’t imagine that our ever-loving, ever-forgiving God would subject my little boy to eternal punishment in Purgatory (or worse), if he doesn’t mindfully seek forgiveness in the formal setting of Reconciliation.

With all that said, I’m not totally against the idea of confession for first-graders, and he’s going to do it. I can recognize that going through the process is one way of indoctrinating a sense of morality into their little frontal cortexes, which in the long run is a good thing - but still not a basis for need of the actual Sacrament at this age, I personally don’t think.

Oh, no, it happens far earlier than that! I work with kids in elementary school, I can definitely assure you that elementary age kids DO KNOW what is right and what is wrong. However, they do not always CHOOSE TO DO what is right. Do they know what they SHOULD do? YES!! Do they always do it? NO!

Don’t let your son pull the wool over your eyes! At age 7, he knows not to push his sister. Should he THINK before he does it and STOP himself? YES! Should he have that self control at age 7? YES!! If he does not, you better start teaching him this self-discipline and impulse control.

Most kids are in first or second grade at age 7. We absolutely do not allow any pushing, shoving, kicking, or other physical attacks on fellow students, no matter who has what toy, book, etc. (think recess). Do we have children who try this? Of course. However, if we have children who repeatedly act this way, parents are called in for conferences, and are notified in no uncertain terms that their child will not be allowed to shove, push, kick, etc other children, or they will be asked to leave the school. Why can’t you teach this at your home?? (not to kick him out obviously, but to have some consequence).

He pushes his sister for a toy, and he cannot have that toy or any other for a period of time and instead must 1)vacuum, 2)fold clothes, 3)do dishes, etc (A household chore). He will quickly learn that if he wants to play, he must cooperate and communicate in an acceptable manner.

 

[ilovekittens]

Oh, no, it happens far earlier than that! I work with kids in elementary school, I can definitely assure you that elementary age kids DO KNOW what is right and what is wrong. However, they do not always CHOOSE TO DO what is right. Do they know what they SHOULD do? YES!! Do they always do it? NO!

Don’t let your son pull the wool over your eyes! At age 7, he knows not to push his sister. Should he THINK before he does it and STOP himself? YES! Should he have that self control at age 7? YES!! If he does not, you better start teaching him this self-discipline and impulse control.

Most kids are in first or second grade at age 7. We absolutely do not allow any pushing, shoving, kicking, or other physical attacks on fellow students, no matter who has what toy, book, etc. (think recess). Do we have children who try this? Of course. However, if we have children who repeatedly act this way, parents are called in for conferences, and are notified in no uncertain terms that their child will not be allowed to shove, push, kick, etc other children, or they will be asked to leave the school. Why can’t you teach this at your home?? (not to kick him out obviously, but to have some consequence).

He pushes his sister for a toy, and he cannot have that toy or any other for a period of time and instead must 1)vacuum, 2)fold clothes, 3)do dishes, etc (A household chore). He will quickly learn that if he wants to play, he must cooperate and communicate in an acceptable manner.

I don’t know. These are examples of behavior modification, which also apply to dogs and monkeys. Our dog no longer jumps on the couch, because that act has been associated in his canine brain with negative consequences he does not desire, not because he has a strong moral canine conscience. First-graders stand mostly in line with others because they seek the positive rewards of a happy teacher and seek to avoid the negative consequences of standing in the corner, or whatever.

 

[benedictgal]

I don’t know. These are examples of behavior modification, which also apply to dogs and monkeys. Our dog no longer jumps on the couch, because that act has been associated in his canine brain with negative consequences he does not desire, not because he has a strong moral canine conscience. First-graders stand mostly in line with others because they seek the positive rewards of a happy teacher and seek to avoid the negative consequences of standing in the corner, or whatever.

Remember, all of us were seven year-olds. And, all of us did some things that were wrong. Kitten (for lack of calling you something else), the important issue here is the fact that we need to teach our children the reality of sin.

You teach your son how to brush his teeth. You teach him good hygiene. You make sure that he’s going to school and doing the work he’s supposed to do so that he can pass. That is all good and well for this life.

What about the life to come? Sin is a serious cancer that affects all of us. While there are some elements of behavioral management that are involved, the bottom line is that sin ruptures our relationship with God. Shoving his sister when he knows it’s wrong, telling a small lie to excuse himself from something and, as one of the other posters indicated, stealing something from grandma’s sewing kit are wrong. They’re sinful.

I don’t know if you’ve ever watched the Bela Lugosi version of the film Dracula. In one scene, Jonathan Harker rebuffs Professor Van Helsing about nonsense and superstition and he seriously doubts that the Count is a vampire. Van Helsing tells him this, “The strength of the vampire is that no one believes he exists.” Well, the strength of sin, the strength of the devil, is that we, perhaps, no longer believe in the real danger that sin poses and that it is a trap of the devil.

As a parent, you have the moral obligation to prepare your son for eternity. A big chunk of that rests on the kind of doctrinal preparation you are giving him at home. This includes an explanation about sin and about how it hurts his relationship with God. Just as his treatment of his sister hurts his relationship with her (and with you and the rest of your family), sin hurts your son’s relationship with God and with the Church.

 

[OutinChgoburbs]

…And I can’t imagine that our ever-loving, ever-forgiving God would subject my little boy to eternal punishment in Purgatory (or worse), if he doesn’t mindfully seek forgiveness in the formal setting of Reconciliation…

Goodness! Where ever did you get the idea that Purgatory was eternal, in the sense anybody stays there forever???

One of the best examples of Purgatory I’ve heard was by Marcus Grodi, where he referred to Purgatory as “God’s Mud Room”. Just as a mud room allows one to put off the heavy garments and muddy boots of winter, so God allows us in Purgatory to sluff off the stuff of earth so that we we can enter Heaven. Purgatory is NOT an eternal state. It is for those who have left the world in God’s friendship but have a few attachments, a few things to work out that did not get worked out on earth. Heaven is waiting, just work on the last bits of debris. CS Lewis even thought there had to be a Purgatory, and if given the chance by God to enter Heaven with the mud and dust of our travel from mortality, he thought we would say thank you, but beg to be cleansed, to be worthy of God and His Presence.

Further, as a teacher in addition to my tekkiness, I know children of a certain age might not be ready to learn the whys and wherefores of a mathematical process, say addition or the ever-dreaded multiplication tables. That does not mean they cannot benefit from the memorization of addition or multiplication tables. Later on, they might understand more. For now, they understand in an apriori sense that 2x2=4.

There is nothing wrong with the behavior modification you mention in order to achieve compliance. Even adults must modify their behaviors in order to get along and even progress as civilized human beings. To think of a child only as a automaton who can only be defined by his physical attributes in development according to an anatomy development course denies his or her soul. And I know a lot of 7 and 8 year olds who could teach some oldsters about the soul and sin!

 

[tebesco]

This is my daughter’s First Communion year. Our pastor (who is really remarkable) had the children make their first confession during Advent so they could have an opportunity to make several confessions before their First Communion.

I think it’s a great idea. My daughter is usually with me when I go to confession every two weeks or thereabouts, so she sees that it’s serious business and has a chance to really understand the connection between the two sacraments.

 

[benedictgal]

I was still thinking about the OP at Mass this morning. The homily I heard might offer some food for thought.

We are worried about childhood diseases such as the mumps, chicken pox and measles. As parents, you do your best to immunize your kids in order to safeguard their health. You want what is best for them.

However, just as you need to teach children to take care of their bodies, you also need to teach them to take care of their souls. We tend to forget that just as illness and disease harm the body, sin damages the soul. It’s like a cancer that slowly eats away at what God created.

I look at confession as an excellent antidote to sin. Instilling in children at an early age just how bad sin is and how much confession is needed helps them to recognize that sin is something bad. I know that I’ve made this point repeatedly to the point that some may want to shush me, but, it’s something very important.

Just like moms (and dads) stoop down to change a baby’s dirty diapers, Jesus stoops down, through confession, to change our soiled souls. Believe me, no one likes changing a diaper. But, it is done out of love for the baby. Jesus abhors sin, but, he stoops down to clean the muck from us because he loves us.

 

[OutinChgoburbs]

I was still thinking about the OP at Mass this morning. The homily I heard might offer some food for thought.

We are worried about childhood diseases such as the mumps, chicken pox and measles. As parents, you do your best to immunize your kids in order to safeguard their health. You want what is best for them.

However, just as you need to teach children to take care of their bodies, you also need to teach them to take care of their souls. We tend to forget that just as illness and disease harm the body, sin damages the soul. It’s like a cancer that slowly eats away at what God created.

I look at confession as an excellent antidote to sin. Instilling in children at an early age just how bad sin is and how much confession is needed helps them to recognize that sin is something bad. I know that I’ve made this point repeatedly to the point that some may want to shush me, but, it’s something very important.

Just like moms (and dads) stoop down to change a baby’s dirty diapers, Jesus stoops down, through confession, to change our soiled souls. Believe me, no one likes changing a diaper. But, it is done out of love for the baby. Jesus abhors sin, but, he stoops down to clean the muck from us because he loves us.

Did you hop a plane and come to the Burbs?

We had a similar homily. Emphasis was also placed on parents who bring their children to the baptismal font, and then do not train them up in the way they should go, as little priests, prophets, and kings (or queens). It takes training to be all of those things (check history), and that is what happens to an infant when baptized. The parents and godparents promise to do that for their children. First Confession is part of the deal, esp. since it is mandatory for First Communion in the Latin Rite.

BTW- In doing research, I discovered that Eastern Rite children, who receive all three initiation sacraments as babies, make their first confession sometime around 7.