Reconciliation
Sacrament of Healing
What is Reconciliation?
Reconciliation, formerly called Confession, is a Sacrament of healing by which we obtain Christ’s forgiveness. We repent of our sins and are freed from sin through the ministry of a priest who acts in Christ when he says “I absolve you from your sins, in the name of the Father and of the son and of the Holy Spirit.”
Regular confession is very important because it fosters a mature conscience and draws us closer to Christ. Confession itself brings about healing and a sense of relief from the weight of sin. The Sacrament aids us in remembering that we cannot exist apart from God.
Reconciliation and First Holy Communion
The Sacrament of Reconciliation is prepared for in the first part of the First Holy Communion Course beginning in September. Before Christmas, there is the opportunity for children to make their First Celebration of the Sacrament of Reconciliation in St Mary’s Church.