Reconciliation

“Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained.”

God is merciful. Through Reconciliation (confession), God forgives us for all of our sins. We are inclined to sin, and, through this sacrament, God frees us from the burden of our wrongdoings; he “washes us clean.” By His grace, we have the opportunity to reconcile with Christ again and again. His infinite love allows us to forget about our past mistakes and start anew with a clean slate after receiving the sacrament of Reconciliation.

Jesus gave priests the authority to forgive (absolve) sins. Of course, God himself absolves sins; however, He prefers that we have a personal encounter with a priest. By acknowledging our sins to these Church leaders, we take responsibility for our actions, and we experience Christ’s unconditional love for us, his children. Reconciliation strengthens us in our faith and helps us refocus and work toward living more like Christ. Ultimately, confession brings us closer in relationship with God.

Children: The Archdiocesan Guidelines require two years of formal catechesis prior to receiving First Reconciliation and Communion. This process begins when you enroll your child in the 1st grade School of Religion Program. The first year of study helps the children develop a deeper personal knowledge of Jesus. They learn that Jesus teaches us about God’s love for us and how we can respond to that love. The second year of the process continues these themes and provides specific Sacramental catechesis. For more information on First Communion or if your child is in 2nd grade or order, contact emily.warn@shoj.org

Adults: Non Catholic adults prepare to receive this sacrament for the first time through the process of RCIA.

This sacrament is also known as the sacrament of Penance, the sacrament of Conversion, the sacrament of Forgiveness or the sacrament of Confession.

Have Questions about 1st Reconciliation? Contact Emily Warn at emily.warn@shoj.org.

Confession Times

Monday, Tuesday, Friday: 7:00-8:00am
Wednesday: 6:00-7:00pm
Saturday: 3:00-4:00pm