Reconciliation (Confession)
The sacrament of Reconciliation or Penance is one of two sacraments of healing. It is the sacrament that brings spiritual healing for Catholics who have distanced themselves from God by committing sins. Also known as Confession or Penance, the sacrament of Reconciliation is seen as an opportunity for renewal and can be done as often as needed.
Some Catholics participate weekly before receiving the Eucharist, whereas others may seek the sacrament only during the penitential seasons of Lent or Advent. Reconciliation is a means of obtaining pardon from God for sins for which the sinner is truly remorseful and brings the sinner back into communion with God and the Church.
The sacrament is an opportunity for self-reflection and requires that the person take full responsibility for his or her sins, both those in thought and in action. During the rite, sins are recounted privately to a priest, who is seen as a healer aiding the process, and the priest commonly assigns acts of penance, such as specific prayers or acts of restitution, to complete in the following days. A prayer of contrition is offered at the end of the confession, and the newly absolved Catholic is urged to refrain from repeating those sins.
There are four elements involved:
- The penitential contrition for sin
- Confession to a Priest
- Absolution by the Priest and
- Satisfaction
Through penance, the faithful receive pardon through God's mercy for the sins they have committed. At the same time, they are reconciled with the Church community. The confession, or disclosure, of sins frees us and facilitates our reconciliation with others.
Parish children are usually introduced to the sacrament around the age of eleven (11) when preparing for their first holy communion in the parish.
INDIVIDUAL RECONCILATION(CONFESSION) is available: Every Friday immediately after first morning Mass.