The forgiveness of sins committed after Baptism is conferred by a particular sacrament called the sacrament of conversion, confession, penance or reconciliation.

The Sacrament of Reconciliation is for our spiritual healing. According to the Gospels, after the Resurrection, Jesus appeared to the apostles, breathed on them, and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. Whose sins you shall forgive, they are forgiven them; whose sins you shall retain, they are retained.” (John 20:22-23) That’s why Jesus left this sacrament, to heal our spiritual wounds, which we call sin.

Catholics must confess all known mortal sins to a priest. By doing this, we put ourselves in the state of grace necessary to receive the Holy Eucharist. Any venial, or minor sins we have committed are forgiven by receiving Holy Eucharist.

Telling our sins to a priest isn’t as scary as people think. Most people tell sensitive, delicate and confidential information to their doctor or lawyer, so why not your priest? The priest is bound by the most absolute secrecy and confidentiality known to humankind. Not even the pope can get a priest to reveal who they heard, or what they said.

The Sacrament of Reconciliation consists of three actions of the penitent and the priest’s absolution. The penitent’s acts are repentance, confession or disclosure of sins to the priest, and the intention to make reparation and works of reparation.

Reconciliation is currently celebrated on Saturday mornings, 8:30-10:00 am, in the Chapel. If you can not make it at this time, one of the priests can accommodate you by appointment.

First Reconciliation

First Reconciliation is a significant step in a child’s faith journey, typically prepared for during their second-grade year. The preparation process includes parent meetings, classroom instruction, and special activities designed to help children understand the importance of forgiveness and God's mercy.  You can find all of the information on preparing your child for their First Reconciliation on our Youth Ministry Home Page, First Reconciliation YM.

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