Originally published at Orange County Catholic

“HI GOD, I AM VERY sorry for my sins, and I am trying to get in the habit to not do them.”

— Male, third grade

“Jesus…thank you for everything you have done for us and for loving us. We will try to do better and be nice always going forward.”

— Female, second grade

“Dear God, I am sorry for bugging my brothers…. I love you so much God and thank you so much for loving me.”

— Male second grade

When it comes to the sacrament of First Reconciliation, kids have a language of their own compared to the Act of Contrition adults commonly recite during Confession (“O my God, I am heartily sorry for having offended Thee…”).

But that’s the point.

CHILDREN AND THEIR PARENTS PARTICIPATE IN A FIRST RECONCILIATION RETREAT AT HOLY TRINITY PARISH IN LADERA RANCH. PHOTOS COURTESY OF JENNIFER CAHUANTZI

At ages 7 and 8, when most Catholic children confess for the first time their sins to a priest, keeping things simple is the key. At that tender age, the brain is just beginning to be able to grasp abstract concepts such as God’s forgiveness and his love and mercy for all sinners,

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