“Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained.” (John 20:23)

It is a big day for Sloan. Tonight she will make her first confession.

Sloan has been preparing herself for the Sacrament of Reconciliation since the start of the year. At the beginning of January, she attended her first class with her peers to learn more about this incredible grace instituted by Jesus himself.

While engaged in these lessons, she learned how the sacrament reconciles her with God, fills her with peace, strengthens the Church, and showers her with healing. Sloan attended each session with reverence, curiosity, and—yes—some nerves.

Well, let me tell you, those nerves are even more pronounced this morning. Over the past few days, she has been honest about the anxiety she feels to confess for the first time. But you know what? That is a good sign because it shows contrition. And, let’s be honest, I still get nervous before confession myself, so how do you expect an 8-year-old to feel?

As a way to calm some nerves, St. Mary Religious Ed Director Marie Bricher allowed Sloan’s reconciliation prep class to walk inside the confessional at this past weekend’s retreat.

But the butterflies and nerves will all be worth it when she receives absolution tonight. The glorious joy of receiving God’s forgiveness for one’s sins outweighs any discomfort or anguish.

Thank you to Marie Bricher and her staff at St. Mary Catholic Church (Spokane Valley) for preparing Sloan and her friends to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Much gratitude to the same crew for helping us parents enhance our love and understanding for this sacred grace (we took classes too!).

Please pray for the St. Mary children who will be entering the confessional tonight. Don’t Blink.