Penance and Reconciliation

Those who approach the sacrament of Penance obtain pardon from God’s mercy for the offense committed against him, and are, at the same time, reconciled with the Church which they have wounded by their sins and which by charity, by example, and by prayer labors for their conversion.

It is called the sacrament of conversion because it makes sacramentally present Jesus’ call to conversion, the first step in returning to the Father from whom one has strayed by sin. It is called the sacrament of Penance, since it consecrates the Christian sinner’s personal and ecclesial steps of conversion, penance, and satisfaction. It is called the sacrament of confession, since the disclosure or confession of sins to a priest is an essential element of this sacrament. In a profound sense it is also a “confession” – acknowledgment and praise – of the holiness of God and of his mercy toward sinners. It is called the sacrament of forgiveness, since by the priest’s sacramental absolution God grants the penitent “pardon and peace.”

 It is called the sacrament of Reconciliation, because it imparts to the sinner the love of God who reconciles: “Be reconciled to God.” Those who live by God’s merciful love are ready to respond to the Lord’s call: “Go; first be reconciled to your brother.”

(Catechism of the Catholic Church, § 1422-1424)

Everyone is welcome to experience God’s mercy as we celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation weekly on Saturday at 4pm and the 4th Sunday of the month before and after each Mass.

We will gladly arrange for individual appointments according to your own schedule and convenience.

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