Penance (Reconciliation / Confession)

Jesus told his disciples, “Peace be with you.  As the Father has sent me, so I now send you.”  And when he had said this, he breathed on them as said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit.  Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained.”  (John 20: 21-23)

Through the Sacrament of Penance sins that are committed after Baptism are forgiven.  Absolution for one’s sins is received by a validly ordained bishop or priest.  The Sacrament of Penance is the appropriate venue for confessing our sins.  To be forgiven, one must admit their sins in confession, with true sorrow and repentance.  This Sacrament restores the state of salvific grace lost by our sins.  Prior to going to confession, it is important to spend time in prayer and to examine one’s conscience and to seek the Holy Spirit’s help in seeking our sinfulness.  This is a sacrament of healing; it is meant to reconcile us with God, with each other and bring peace to ourselves.

Reconciliation:

• Confessions are offered on Saturday afternoons from 3:00 – 3:30PM in the Church.
• Confessions are offered at various other times throughout the year.  Please see the bulletin for details.
• Other times are available by appointment with one of the parish priests.
• First Reconciliation is generally offered in Second Grade for those enrolled in St. Cajetan School or St. Cajetan Religious Education Program.  First Reconciliation is celebrated before First Holy Communion (Eucharist).