Penance
"This is the Sacrament in which sins committed after Baptism are forgiven. It results in reconciliation with God and the Church." (US Catholic Catechism for Adults, Glossary)
The Sacrament of Penance
Also called the Sacrament of Reconciliation or Confession, this Sacrament allows us to personally repair our relationship with God and His Church. Through this Sacrament Jesus pours out the Holy Spirit, freeing us from the burden of guilt and empowering us to lead holy lives. As such, when we participate in the Sacrament of Penance, we implicitly, if not explicitly, recommit our lives to the Gospel.
We believe that our sin not only damages our relationship with God, but also the people around us, specifically the Church. We are not isolated individuals but members of the body of Christ and the human family. The things we do, and the things we say, matter.
Jesus gave the Church the authority to forgive sins (John 20:21-23), and we are taught by Saint James that we confess our sins to one another (James 5:16).
Weekly
Adoration and Confession
5:30 - 6:30 PM Tuesday at Sacred Heart
5:30 - 6:30 PM Thursday at Divine Mercy
Unless otherwise noted on social media or the bulletin.
Sin is before all else an offense against God, a rupture of communion with him. At the same time it damages communion with the Church. For this reason conversion entails both God’s forgiveness and reconciliation with the Church, which are expressed and accomplished liturgically by the sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation. (CCC 1440)
Parish Penance Service
Celebrate the Sacrament of Penance.
Confession is available
4:00 - 5:00 PM, Sunday, December 14th
at Divine Mercy
Numerous priests from our diocese will be available to hear confessions.
The Light Is On For You
Celebrate the Sacrament of Penance.
Confession is available
4:00 - 7:00 PM, Sunday, December 15th
at Sacred Heart and Divine Mercy
Sacramental Preparation
First Penance for Children
The Church assists parents in helping to prepare their children to make a good confession. Preparation takes place over a period of two years. Children and their parents attend Sunday Mass and weekly Family Faith Formation sessions. In their second year of preparation, two mandatory workshops are also required. Children then make their first confession at a special Penance Service.
