“When he celebrates the sacrament of Penance, the priest is fulfilling the ministry of the Good Shepherd who seeks the lost sheep, of the Good Samaritan who binds up wounds, of the Father who awaits the prodigal son and welcomes him on his return, and of the just and impartial judge whose judgment is both just and merciful. The priest is the sign and the instrument of God's merciful love for the sinner.” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1465)

The Sacrament of Penance is the sacrament of spiritual healing.  Reconciliation involves contrition, confession to a priest, absolution by the priest, and penance.  After making an examination of conscience, the penitent confesses his/her sins to the priest, who is the minister of Christ’s mercy.  The intent of this sacrament is to provide healing for the soul as well as to regain the grace of God, lost by sin.

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,

"Receive the holy Spirit. Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained."
--John 20:21-23

Celebrating Reconciliation

Weekly and by Appointment at Your Convenience

TUESDAY: 7:10pm to 8:10pm

SATURDAY:  Confessions are heard from 4:00 to 4:45pm or by appointment.

There are weekly celebrations of the sacrament in church every Saturday afternoon from 4:00 – 4:45 p.m. And also on Tuesdays from 7:10pm to 8:10pm.  If it is not possible for an individual to come at that time, he or she should feel free to call one of the parish priests to arrange an appointment.  The priests are more than happy to do this.

Services of Reconciliation

During Advent and Lent the priests of the parish lead the community in communal prayer services followed by individual confessions.

Initiation to the Sacrament of Reconciliation

The normal time for the first celebration of the Sacrament of Reconciliation with children in our parish shall be in the first semester of their second grade year followed by their first reception of the Eucharist during the second semester.  The parents of children enrolled in All Saints School or All Saints Parish School of Religion or Home School Programs shall be expected to complete a program of catechesis concerning the Sacrament of Reconciliation within the context of their own adult spiritual life prior to their requesting this sacrament for their children.