In this sacrament, God forgives our sins, and through this forgiveness, we are reconciled with Him.​
In St Mary s the Sacrament of Reconciliation is available on Saturday mornings after the 10am Mass (from 10.30 to 11am) and on request when there is a priest available.​

Why is it called Reconciliation​?

The sacrament of reconciliation is also known by other names which include the sacrament penance and the sacrament confession.​
The Catechism of the Catholic Church tells us why we give the sacrament these titles:​
It is called the Sacrament of Reconciliation, because it imparts to the sinner the love of God who reconciles: "Be reconciled to God." He who lives by God's merciful love is ready to respond to the Lord's call: "Go; first be reconciled to your brother."​
It is called the Sacrament of Penance, since it consecrates the Christian sinner's personal and ecclesial steps of conversion, penance, and satisfaction.​
It is called the Sacrament of Confession, since the disclosure or confession of sins to a priest is an essential element of this sacrament. In a profound sense it is also a "confession" - acknowledgment and praise - of the holiness of God and of his mercy toward sinful man.​

 

How often should we go?​

 

We are asked to confess our sins least once per year at Easter. However confession once every six months, once a month or any regular pattern which suits can be useful and is recommended.​
In addition to this we should go to Confession as soon as we realise that we have committed grave/mortal sin.​

 

How to approach the Sacrament​

 

Our Lord wants us to experience a real change in our lives through the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Therefore, before we go, we should examine our consciences so we can make a thorough Confession and so be fully reconciled with him. The Ten Commandments are a useful aid in examining your conscience. A leaflet on the examination of conscience can be found here.​

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1) The priest will begin with the prayer of the Sign of the Cross​
Make the sign of the cross and say, Bless me Father for I have sinned it has been _____ since my last confession.​
Then tell the priest the mortal sins you have committed since your last confession.  Tell him the sin and the number of times you committed it.  If you feel it is necessary you can tell him the circumstances.  

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2) The priest will briefly discuss the effects of your sins and will offer advice and encouragement on leading a better Christian life. ​
He will give you a penance to perform (usually prayer/prayers) and will ask you to say the Act of Contrition. Finally, he will give you absolution. At the end of his absolution he will say, I absolve you of your sins in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.  Make the sign of the cross as he does this

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3)  As soon as possible, complete your penance and rejoice in the fact that your sins have been forgiven by the blood of Jesus Christ.  Rejoice and resolve to sin no more!​

Act of Contrition​
O my God, I am heartily sorry for having offended you. I detest all my sins because of your just punishments, but most of all because they offend you, my God, who are all good and deserving of all my love. I firmly resolve, with the help of your grace, to sin no more and to avoid the occasions of sin. Amen.

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Act of Contrition​
O my God, because you are so good, I am very sorry that I have sinned against you, and with the help of your grace I will not sin again. Amen.