What is The Sacrament of Reconciliation
The Sacrament of Reconciliation is also known as the ‘Sacrament of Penance’ or traditionally called ‘Confession’. It is the rite by which sins are confessed and forgiven. Sin is a failure to recognise and love God in the way we think or act. Sin is also not just a failure to love God directly but also a failure to love one another. This is referred to as “the community sense of sin”.
Dates to Rememenber
Saturday evening from 6.30 before mass on the Sanctuary Area.
Penitential services take place before Easter and Christmas.
Before the Confirmation and First Communion ceremonies children.
The Sacrament of Reconciliation, also known as the Sacrament of Penance or Confession, is the sacrament through which our sins are forgiven. In this sacrament we recognise our sins, ask God for forgiveness, and begin again with a renewed relationship with God and with others.
Confession helps us recognise our sins, receive God’s mercy and grow in our relationship with God. It is an opportunity for spiritual healing and renewal.
Absolution is the moment in the sacrament when the priest pronounces God’s forgiveness. Acting in the name of Christ and the Church, the priest forgives the sins that have been confessed.
The sacrament is usually celebrated in a one-to-one encounter with a priest, known as individual confession. At certain times of the year, such as Advent and Lent, parishes may also organise Penitential Services, where people gather for prayer and preparation before individual confessions.
Penance is a prayer or action given by the priest after confession. It expresses our sorrow for sin and our desire to change our lives and grow in faith.
Any baptised person who is prepared and wishes to receive God’s forgiveness can celebrate this sacrament.
Yes. The priest is bound by the Seal of Confession, which means that everything said during Confession is completely confidential.
Penitential services are usually celebrated during Advent and Lent, especially before Christmas and Easter.
You are always welcome to return to the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Many people come back to Confession after a long time away. The priest will be happy to help and guide you through the process. There is no need to be afraid — the sacrament is an experience of God’s mercy and forgiveness.
In Confession we are invited to honestly acknowledge the sins we remember and sincerely ask for God’s forgiveness. If something is forgotten unintentionally, it is still forgiven through the sacrament. The important thing is to approach Confession with sincerity and a desire to grow closer to God.