Because the Sacrament of Penance is such an important dimension of the Catholic Christian life, catechetical preparation is essential prior to the celebration of the conferral of the Sacrament. The responsibility for this preparation lies first and foremost with the parents, then the pastor, who may delegate this role to the pastoral minister of Faith Formation, and lastly the responsibility lies with the entire Faith community. It is the policy of the Diocese that children must be properly prepared for the Sacrament of Penance and the sacrament be offered to them prior to receipt of First Communion.