RECONCILIATION

"Those who approach the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation 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" (CCC 1422).
Have mercy on me, O God,
in accord with your merciful love;
in your abundant compassion
blot out my transgressions.
Thoroughly wash away my guilt;
and from my sin cleanse me. (Psalm 51:3-4)

COMPONENTS OF THIS SACRAMENT

  • Conversion: the first step in returning to our heavenly Father from whom one has separated due to sin (CCC 1423).
  • Examination of Conscience: before confessing the sins to a priest, a person should examine his or her thoughts, words, actions and omissions. To do this effectively, one should ask the Holy Spirit to enlighten one's mind and heart to truly see oneself in need of God's mercy and love.
  • Confession: it is the disclosure of sins to a priest (CCC 1424). Through such a disclosure man looks squarely at the sins he is guilty of, takes responsibility for them, and thereby opens himself again to God and to the communion of the Church in order to make a new future possible (CCC 1455).
  • Contrition: it is the sorrow of one's soul because by sinning one has injured one's relationship with God. Contrition involves the resolution not to sin again (CCC 1451).
  • Absolution and Forgiveness: by the priest’s sacramental absolution God grants the penitent pardon and peace (CCC 1424).
  • Penance: an external action that reflects an interior transformation, a radical reorientation of our whole life to please God and reject sin (CCC 1431).




Times for Individual Confession:
Saturdays: 3:00 - 3:30 pm (English)
Sundays: 11:30 - 12:00 pm (Spanish)
Or call to make an appointment.