Reconciliation
The Sacrament of Confession, also know as the Sacrament of Penance, is called the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
To reconcile means to make friends with someone again. This Sacrament brings us back into friendship with God and neighbor.
How do we celebrate this Sacrament of God's mercy?
Before going to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation, each person examines his or her conscience. It is important to examine our conscience. This means that we think about our thoughts and actions. We ask whether we have loved God, others, and ourselves.
At Mary, Mother of Our Savior Parish, usually we celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation weekly in church in the “Bride's Room on Saturday afternoon from 3:00 pm until 3:30 pm or by appointment. If necessary, it possible to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation anywhere or anytime. At that time, we confess our sins to the priest. After the priest listens to our sins, he talks with us about ways we can be better followers of Jesus. He then gives us a penance which is a good deed to do or a prayer to say. Doing a penance is our way of way of showing that w are really sorry for the sorry for the wrong we have done. We pray an Act of Contrition, telling God we are sorry for our sins. The priest then gives absolution or forgiveness. God’s mercy forgives us our sins.
It’s been years since I have been to Confession. I can’t remember them all. My sins are so bad. Will God forgive them?
God’s mercy is without end. No, it is not necessary to remember all our sins. The purpose of the Sacrament of Reconciliation is to make friends with God again. Yes, God will forgive you all your sins, no matter how bad you think they are, how frequently you have committed them, or if you cannot remember them all. Remember, God’s mercy and gentleness is without end.
If you have any questions or concerns, come to the Sacrament of Reconciliation and the priest will gently and compassionately assist you.