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
Confession is a sacrament that people sometimes find daunting, or even scary. So, our parish priests says to you:
When priests hear confessions their interest is not in your sins, but in giving you God’s forgiveness and mercy. We do not remember what you say, and we have no interest in it beyond giving you Christ’s forgiveness and helping you to know that you are loved by God.
When we confess our sins, are sorry for them, and wish to dust ourselves off and try again, God promises that through the absolution given by the priest he will act.
- He forgives us and welcomes us back to himself as a loving Father.
- Our relationship with the Church is restored.
- We need have no fear of hell.
- Our time in purgatory is shortened.
- We are given peace: it is a clean slate so our conscience need not trouble us and God will console us.
- We are also given grace by God to fight against sin and he will help us to avoid sin in the future.
The Sacrament of Reconciliation is celebrated at Our Lady and St.Peter’s on:
Saturday:9.30am-9.50am and 5.30am-5.50am
Sunday: 5.00pm-5.20pm