The Sacrament of Reconciliation
Reconciliation is what God does. Receiving it and needing the call to remembrance of our obligations made through the whole of the sacrements, throughout our lives,
it is what we do.
1Blow the trumpet in Zion, wail on my holy mountain, let all the inhabitants of the land be stirred up. For the day of the Lord is on its way; for it is near:
2a day of darkness and gloom, a day of clouds and whirlwinds. Like the morning reaching over the mountains, they are a numerous and strong people. Nothing like them has existed since the beginning, nor will exist after them, even in the years of generation upon generation.
3Before their face is a devouring fire, and behind them is a burning flame.
Joel 2
To reconcile with God.
Reconciliation (officially called the Sacrament of Penance, and also known as Confession) is a Sacrament instituted by Jesus Christ in his love and mercy to offer us forgiveness for the times we have sinned and turned away from God. At the same time, we are reconciled with the Church because it is also wounded by our sins.
Every time we sin, we hurt ourselves, other people and God. In Reconciliation, we acknowledge our sins before God and the Church. We express our sorrow in a meaningful way, receive the forgiveness of Christ and his Church, make reparation for what we have done, and resolve to do better in the future.
Modern society has lost a sense of sin. As Roman Catholic followers of Christ, we must make an effort to recognize sin in our daily actions, words and omissions.
Ways to Receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation
In the Sacrament of Reconciliation is the opportunity to grow closer to God— whether the Sacrament is individual or in a communal Reconciliation Service during the liturgical seasons of preparation.
Communal Reconciliation Service
The communal service is an opportunity to join our sisters and brother in asking for forgiveness and healing during this important time of the year.
Offering a parish-wide Reconciliation Service at 8 P.M. on Wednesday’s, All are invited to join with our faith community to reflect on our lives through Scripture reading of sacred texts followed by an examination of conscience ending with confessing Sacrament of Reconcilation and Penance.
Weekly Reconciliation
Reconciliation is offered on Wednesday’s;
A Renewed Focus on Christ
In preparation and practice, we invite all to begin anew with souls nourished from gift of the divine mercy and forgiveness God has for everyone. While going to confession throughout the liturgical year is important, Lent is a great time to receive the sacrament of Reconciliation. Lent, in the liturgical year, is known as a penitential season. As Catholics, we are asked to give up various items or habits and commit to activities that bring us closer to God and our community. Confession is a natural step to cleanse ourselves from sin and start anew with a renewed focus on Christ.
If you require assistance, especially if you have been absent for a period of time, simply ask the priest and he will guide you through the steps to make a proper confession.
Before Confession:
- Truly regret your sins. The main act of Penance, on the part of the penitent, is repentance, a clear and definitive rejection of the committed sin, along with a determination to not repeat it out of love for God, which is reawakened through repentance. The resolution to avoid committing these sins in the future is a clear indication of genuine and sincere sorrow. This does not mean that a promise to never fall into sin again is necessary. A resolution to try and avoid situations that may lead to sin is sufficient for true repentance. With God’s grace and the intention to rectify your life, you will receive the strength to resist and overcome temptation in the future.
Examination of Conscience:
Before going to Confession, you should reflect upon mortal and venial sins that you have committed since your last sacramental confession. Express your sorrow for these sins, develop a hatred for them, and make a firm resolution to not repeat them.
A helpful way to examine your conscience is to review the Commandments of God and the Precepts of the Church:
- Have I made the pursuit of sanctity in Christ the purpose of my life? Have I denied my faith? Have I placed my trust in false teachings or substitutes for God? Have I lost hope in God’s mercy?
- Have I used God’s name in a disrespectful manner? Have I broken a solemn vow or promise?
- Have I honored every Sunday by refraining from unnecessary work and attending Mass (including holy days)? Was I inattentive or unnecessarily late for Mass, or did I leave early? Have I neglected prayer for a significant amount of time?
- Have I shown Christlike respect towards my parents, spouse, family members, and legitimate authorities? Have I prioritized the religious education and formation of my children?
- Have I taken care of my own and others’ physical health and safety? Have I abused drugs or alcohol? Have I supported abortion, “mercy killing,” or suicide in any way?
- Have I been impatient, angry, envious, proud, jealous, revengeful, or lazy? Have I forgiven others?
Catholic Conscience 
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