The Sacrament of Penance is to precede First Communion. Formal instruction for Penance is to be separate and distinct from preparation for the reception of First Communion. The value of this practice is to catechize the children, from age of reason, to the true Christian spirit of penance and conversion, to growth in self-knowledge and self-control, to a true sense of sin, even of venial sin, to the necessity of asking for pardon from God, and above all, to a loving and confident abandonment to the mercy of the Lord. In no circumstances should a child receive First Communion without first having received the Sacrament of Penance.  Requires parental participation.