Sacraments

Reconciliation

 

"Those who approach the sacrament of Penance obtain pardon from God's mercy for the offense committed against him, and are, at the same time, reconciled with the Church which they have wounded by their sins and which by charity, by example, and by prayer labors for their conversion."

 

It is called the sacrament of conversion because it makes sacramentally present Jesus' call to conversion, the first step in returning to the Father from whom one has strayed by sin. It is called the sacrament of Penance, since it consecrates the Christian sinner's personal and ecclesial steps of conversion, penance, and satisfaction. It is called the sacrament of confession, since the disclosure or confession of sins to a priest is an essential element of this sacrament. In a profound sense it is also a "confession" - acknowledgment and praise - of the holiness of God and of his mercy toward sinful man. It is called the sacrament of forgiveness, since by the priest's sacramental absolution God grants the penitent "pardon and peace." It is called the sacrament of Reconciliation, because it imparts to the sinner the love of God who reconciles: "Be reconciled to God." He who lives by God's merciful love is ready to respond to the Lord's call: "Go; first be reconciled to your brother." (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2nd Edition, 1422-1424)

 

At Sacred Heart we offer Reconciliation every Saturday from 3:30 pm – 4:00 pm, every Monday from 7:00 am – 8:00 am, Penance Service during Advent and Lent or anytime by appointment with the Pastor.

 

First Reconciliation

Children prepare for their First Reconciliation (Confession) at the start of their 1st Grade Year and receive the Sacrament during the Fall of their 2nd Grade Year. In the event that your child is past the Second grade year and has not received these Sacraments, please be sure to bring this to the attention of the SOR Director. We have a Catechist available to make sure that your child understands the materials and can work with them outside of their regular religious class. Parents of all children that are in need of their First Sacraments must attend the appropriate meetings and children should attend the required Retreats. Information regarding these activities are communicated to the parish via email, bulletin and the website.