Reconciliation

Sacraments – Reconciliation

Reconciliation (Confession) allows for spiritual healing and absolution when we distance ourselves from God through sin.

Jesus said to them again, ‘Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.’ When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them”  (John 20, 21 – 23)

I acknowledged my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the Lord; and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin (Psalms 32:5)

This sacrament has many names (CCC 1423-4): “conversion” because it makes sacramentally present Jesus’ call to conversion, the first step in returning to the Fatherfrom whom one has strayed by sin; “penance” because it calls us to repent of our sins; “confession”, since the disclosure or confession of sins to a priest is an essential element of this sacrament; “forgiveness” since by the priest’s sacramental absolution God grants pardon and peace; “reconciliation” because we are restored to God’s grace and join with him in an intimate friendship (CCC 1468). 

In our heart of hearts we know that we are anything but perfect. We long for peace of heart, for reconciliation, for forgiveness and yet so often we turn away from the invitation offered by the Church in the sacrament of reconciliation. Facing our own personal realities (and illusions!) and seeking God´s mercy by confessing to a priest, then receiving the sacramental absolution that changes everything is one of the great graces of any individual spiritual journey. 

Times of sacrament of reconciliation in the parish:

St Hilda’s – First Saturday of the month, 10.30am – 11.30am

English Martyrs – On request, before Mass