Reconciliation (Confession)

The whole power of the sacrament of Penance consists in restoring us to God's grace and joining us with him in an intimate friendship. Reconciliation with God is thus the purpose and effect of this sacrament. For those who receive the sacrament of Penance with contrite heart and religious disposition, reconciliation 'is usually followed by peace and serenity of conscience with strong spiritual consolation.' Indeed the sacrament of Reconciliation with God brings about a true 'spiritual resurrection,' restoration of the dignity and blessings of the life of the children of God, of which the most precious is friendship with God. (Catechism 1468)

The importance of forgiveness cannot be understated. It was one of Jesus' central teachings, best demonstrated in the parable of the Merciful Lord and the Unforgiving Servant (Matt 18:21-35). While baptism removes the obstacle to God's grace, that is original sin, and brings us to new life in Christ, God knew that we would continue to sin because of our fallen and wounded human nature. So in his plan to return us to a state of holiness, Christ gave us the Sacrament of Penance, a sacrament which allows the Church to continue Christ's ministry of forgiving the sins of the contrite.

Through the Sacrament of Penance, the penitent experiences the fullness of God's mercy through an encounter with Christ Jesus himself, made possible through the spiritual character of the priest. It is not the priest who forgives sins in this sacrament, but rather Christ himself who uses the priest as his instrument of divine mercy. Reception of Penance restores us to holiness and frequent reception of the sacrament helps us to become more resistant to sin in our lives. That is the power of the grace of this sacrament. It's a gift that is free for the asking.

Confessions are heard at St. Cecilia on
Saturday: 4:00 to 4:45 pm
Monday: 6 to 7 pm
Wednesday: 7 to 8 am
 

Do I need to go to confession?
A Guide for Confession
An Examination of Conscience