The Sacrament of Penance (Confession) is offered:
- Every Saturday morning after the 10am Mass until 11am
- Every Saturday evening before the Vigil Mass from 7pm to 7:20pm
- Every First Friday before the morning Mass from 9:30am to 9:50am
- Every First Friday before the evening Mass from 7pm to 7:20pm
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 rite by which sins are confessed and forgiven. Sin is a breakdown in our relationship with God, with other people, or with our own self. Confessing our sins in a contrite fashion, receiving absolution, and doing penance are the means of restoring our relationship with God, with other people, and with our own self.
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 the community who is affected by sin and the priest ministers forgiveness on behalf of God and the community.
Forms of Celebration
The sacrament can be celebrated in a one-to-one encounter with a priest: this is known as ‘individual confession’. Our parish organises a communal celebration of the sacrament during Lent and again during Advent. In this form of celebration, a penitential service, people prepare as a community and a few priests hear confessions individually and people receive absolution individually.
Penance
Penance is a sign of sorrow and a commitment to make restitution for our sins. It is also a sign of our sincerity to change our lives. This is what is meant by conversion. Often the priest may give us a penance of saying a particular prayer. Occasionally we may be asked to do something more concrete. The penance given usually bears a relationship to the sin which was confessed.
Who?
Any person who has been Baptised and prepared appropriately can celebrate this sacrament.