The Sacrament of Reconciliation is available during the following times:
Thursday during Adoration 6:00 - 8:00pm:
Ss. Mary & Patrick Church
Saturday after 8:00am Daily Mass:
Ss. Mary & Patrick Church
3:30 - 4:30pm before the Saturday Vigil Mass:
Ss. Mary & Patrick Church
What is the Sacrament of Reconciliation?
Try as we might, our lives as disciples are never perfect. Baptism cleanses us of original sin and welcomes us into God’s family, but the tendency we have to choose our own will over God’s is part of our fallen human nature. The Sacrament of Reconciliation is lovingly given to us by our heavenly Father as an opportunity to receive forgiveness for the sins we have committed since the time of our Baptism. Known by many names–Confession, Penance, and the Sacrament of Conversion–this sacrament is a return to communion with God and must be seen within the context of conversion from sin and a turning back to God. God’s mercy and forgiveness are precious gifts and we should seek them often.
Reconciliation is the sacrament where Catholics confess their sins to a priest, express contrition (sorrow), and receive God’s forgiveness through the priest’s absolution. The sacrament involves four main elements: contrition (being sorry), confession (admitting sins), absolution (forgiveness by the priest), and satisfaction (penance, like prayers or acts of charity, to repair harm).
It is through the Sacrament of Reconciliation that we are able to humbly stand before our God and admit our faults. Just as the younger son knelt before his father (Luke 15:11-32), we also must kneel before Christ Jesus and ask for forgiveness. In simpler terms, it’s like a spiritual “reset button” where you admit your mistakes, receive forgiveness, and get help to do better, restoring your connection to God and the community.
Why is Reconciliation Important?
Sin, in Catholic teaching, disrupts one’s relationship with God (mortal sin can break it entirely; venial sin weakens it). Reconciliation heals this breach, restores grace, and strengthens the person to live a holier life. It’s especially important for forgiving mortal sins, which are serious offenses that cut off one’s relationship with God, but it’s also encouraged for venial sins to grow spiritually.
The spiritual effects of the sacrament of Penance are:
- reconciliation with God by which the penitent recovers grace;
- reconciliation with the Church;
- remission of the eternal punishment incurred by mortal sins;
- remission, at least in part, of temporal punishments resulting from sin;
- peace and serenity of conscience, and spiritual consolation;
- an increase of spiritual strength for the Christian battle.
How Does Reconciliation Happen?
- Preparation: The penitent examines their conscience, reflecting on sins committed since their last confession. This involves prayerfully considering actions against God’s commandments or the Church’s teachings.
- The Rite:
Confession: In a confessional (a private booth or room) or face-to-face, the penitent tells the priest their sins, focusing on mortal sins (by kind and number) and possibly venial sins. The priest offers guidance.
Contrition: The penitent expresses sorrow, often through an Act of Contrition prayer, like: “O my God, I am heartily sorry for having offended Thee...”
Absolution: The priest, acting in Christ’s name, says the words of absolution, forgiving the sins: “I absolve you from your sins in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”
Penance: The priest assigns a penance (e.g., prayers, acts of charity) to help repair the harm of sin.
- Ongoing Commitment: Penitents complete their penance and strive to avoid sin, often returning to the sacrament regularly (monthly is common or once a year is required).
Who Can Receive Reconciliation?
Any baptized Catholic who has reached the age of reason (around 7) and is aware of sin can receive the sacrament. Children typically receive their First Reconciliation before First Communion, and adults are encouraged to confess at least once a year, especially during Lent or Advent.
Why Do Catholics Believe This?
Catholics believe in Reconciliation based on Jesus’ words to the apostles: “If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained” (John 20:22-23). This authority to forgive sins was passed to priests through the apostles. The Church sees it as Christ’s gift to heal souls wounded by sin.
(CCC 1485, http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/p2s2c2a4.htm#1485)
Additional Resources
- For more on Reconciliation, visit the Catechism of the Catholic Church online: http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/p2s2c2a4.htm
- For practical information or schedules, contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or see the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops: https://www.usccb.org/prayer-and-worship/sacraments/reconciliation
