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Reconciliation

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)

Sin hurts our relationship with God, ourselves and others. As the Catechism states:
The sinner wounds God’s honor and love, his own human dignity…and the spiritual well-being of the Church, of which each Christian ought to be a living stone. To the eyes of faith no evil is graver than sin and nothing has worse consequences for the sinners themselves, for the Church, and for the whole world. (CCC 1487, 1488)
 A mature understanding of sin includes reflecting upon our thoughts, actions and omissions as well as examining the patterns of sin that may arise in our lives. With contrite hearts, we are also called to reflect upon the effects of our sins upon the wider community and how we might participate in sinful systems.

Contrition and conversion lead us to seek a forgiveness for our sins so as to repair damaged relationships with God, self, and others. We believe that only ordained priests have the faculty of absolving sins from the authority of the Church in the name of Jesus Christ (CCC 1495). Our sins are forgiven by God, through the priest.

The Spiritual effects of the Sacraments of Reconciliation(also known as Confession or Penance) include:
  • reconciliation with God by which the penitent recovers grace
  • reconciliation with the Church
  • remission of the eternal punishment incurred by mortal sins
  • remission, at least in part, of temporal punishments resulting from sin
  • peace and serenity of conscience, and spiritual consolation
  • an increase of spiritual strength for the Christian battle (CCC 1496)
Individual confession with a priest is the principal means of absolution and reconciliation of grave sins within the Church. The Sacrament of Reconciliation frees us from sinful patterns of behavior and calls us to complete conversion to Christ. Reconciliation heals our sins and repairs our relationships.

Peace of Christ Confession Schedule:

Saturdays

3:45 PM - 4:15 PM, St. James Church

Sundays

8:15 AM - 8:45 AM, St. John the Evangelist Church

4:15 PM - 4:45 PM, St. Ambrose Church


Preparation For First Reconciliation

The Sacrament of Penance is the ordinary means by which the faithful are restored to sanctifying grace after having fallen into post-baptismal grave sin. (Cf. CIC, c. 960). It is also a channel of particular graces which assists the faithful in avoiding sin in the future, overcoming habits of sin, and growing in the life of supernatural grace and virtue.


Children must first come to know and love Jesus at an age appropriate level. Children of parishioners preparing for First Penance are to complete one full year of religious education (at the parish or Catholic School), be actively attending Mass, and be participating in their second consecutive year of religious education (at the parish or Catholic School).


When can my Baptized Catholic child begin preparing for First Penance?

  • When they are beginning second grade or older.
  • When they have completed one full year of religious education (at the parish or Catholic School), are currently registered and participating in their second consecutive year of religious education (at the parish or Catholic School), and are actively attending Mass.
  • The family must be registered at the parish. 


Children prepare for First Penance in the fall by attending workshops at the parish as well as exploring the sacrament at home with their parents. Parents will be given all the necessary resources and support. Age appropriate texts and materials will be provided.


Questions? Contact Luke Nolan, Catechetical Coordinator and Youth Minister (585)288-5000, ext. 121 or at [email protected]


Register for 1st Reconciliation