"[Jesus] said to them again, 'Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.' And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, 'Receive the holy Spirit. Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained.'" 1 Jn 20:21-23

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.” Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1422

The Sacrament of Penance (or Confession) is God’s gift to us so that any sin committed after Baptism can be forgiven.  In confession we have the opportunity to repent and recover the grace of friendship with God. It is a holy moment in which we place ourselves in his presence and honestly acknowledge our sins, especially mortal sins.  With absolution, we are reconciled to God and the Church. The Sacrament helps us stay close to the truth that we cannot live without God. “In him we live and move and have our being” (Acts 17:28).

Confession is available almost every day at our church!  Or by private appointment with the pastor.  Please contact the parish office for an appointment.

First Reconciliation at St. Mary Parish

Preparation for First Reconciliation requires attendance at Faith Formation for 2 years, which runs September through May each year. First Reconciliation is received in second grade.

First Reconciliation Requirements

  • A child must be baptized. A copy of the certificate must be on file with the parish office.
  • Attend the Religious Education Program.
  • Each child is required to complete the First Reconciliation Preparation materials with their parents.
  • Children and their parents are expected to attend Mass.
  • Child interviews with pastor or his representative that they have an understanding of the Sacrament of Reconciliation.