First Penance preparation begins in the Fall of the second grade and is celebrated on the first Saturday in the month of December. Interwoven with the second grade curriculum, the children concentrate mainly on recognizing a sinful act (knowing that something is wrong, but intentionally doing it anyway) and God’s forgiveness when they confess their wrong-doings. By this time, the children should know their basic prayers, the Hail Mary, Our Father, and Act of Contrition (Prayer of Forgiveness). Copies of these prayers are sent home to be practiced with the help of the parents, and reinforced weekly in class.