The Sacrament of Reconciliation/Confession is celebrated in the Church each Saturday after the 10am Mass and after the 7pm Vigil Mass.

What Is The Sacrament of Reconciliation?

The Sacrament of Penance is also known as the ‘Sacrament of Reconciliation’ or traditionally called ‘Confession’. It is the Sacrament by which sins are confessed and forgiven. Sin is failure to recognise and love God in the way we think or act. Sin is also not just a failure to love God directly but also a failure to love one another.

Absolution

In this sacrament people are forgiven their sins by the words and actions of the priest. We call this ‘Absolution’. The priest represents God and ministers forgiveness on behalf of God.
“Whose sins you shall forgive they are forgiven.” Gospel of St. John 20:23

Forms Of Celebration

The sacrament is most usually celebrated in a one-to-one encounter with a priest: this is known as ‘individual confession’. Some parishes also organise ‘Penitential Services’ at special times; e.g. Advent, Lent and Parish Missions. In this form of celebration, which is communal, people prepare as a community and several priests hear the confessions individually and people receive absolution individually.

Penance

Penance is a sign of sorrow and a commitment to try to make amends. It is also a sign of our sincerity to change our lives.

Who?

Any person who has been baptised and prepared appropriately can celebrate this sacrament.