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THE SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION
The Sacrament of Reconciliation brings about a change of heart through God's mercy and forgiveness. Known also as Confession or Penance, Reconciliation is a sacrament instituted by Jesus Christ in His love and mercy to offer sinners forgiveness for offenses committed against God. At the same time, sinners reconcile with the Church who 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 His Church (confession). We express our sorrow in a meaningful way (contrition), receive the forgiveness of Christ and His Church (absolution), make reparation for what we have done, and resolve to do better in the future (penance).
The forgiveness of sins involves four parts
CONTRITION
A sincere sorrow for having offended God, and the most important act of the penitent. There can be no forgiveness of sin if we do not have sorrow and a firm resolve not to repeat our sin.
CONFESSION
Confronting our sins in a profound way to God by speaking about them —aloud— to the priest.
PENANCE
An important part of our healing is the “penance” the priest imposes in reparation for our sins.
ABSOLUTION
The priest speaks the words by which “God, the Father of Mercies” reconciles a sinner to Himself through the merits of the Cross.
The Sacrament of Reconciliation does require preparation. We should begin with prayer, placing ourselves in the presence of God who is loving and merciful, reflecting on Jesus who is the healer who reaches out in love, and seeking the help of the Holy Spirit in examining our lives.
We review our lives since the last time we received the sacrament, searching our thoughts, words, and actions for that which did not conform to God's command to love Him and one another through His laws and the laws of His Church. This is called an examination of conscience.
Reconciliation is offered 20 minutes before each Mass or by appointment. Please call the rectory at (985) 395-3616 to schedule an appointment.