The Sacrament of Reconciliation is available on Saturdays from 4:00 to 4:45 pm or any time by appointment.
Try as we might, our lives as disciples are never perfect. Baptism cleanses us of original sin and welcomes us into God’s family, but the tendency we have to choose our own will over God’s is part of our fallen human nature. The Sacrament of Reconciliation is lovingly given to us by our heavenly Father as an opportunity to receive forgiveness for the sins we have committed since the time of our Baptism. Known by many names–Confession, Penance, and the Sacrament of Conversion–this sacrament is a return to communion with God and must be seen within the context of conversion from sin and a turning back to God. God’s mercy and forgiveness are precious gifts and we should seek them often.
The spiritual effects of the sacrament of Penance are:
- 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.
It is through the Sacrament of Reconciliation that we are able to humbly stand before our God and admit our faults. Just as the younger son knelt before his father (Luke 15:11-32), we also must kneel before Christ Jesus and ask for forgiveness.
Preparation for First Reconciliation
Preparation for First Reconciliation typically happens during 2nd grade as students get ready to receive their First Holy Communion. Preparation includes formal catechesis (either at Lourdes Catholic School or Wednesday night Religious Ed classes), regular family attendance at Sunday Mass, and Parish-led activities focused on the sacrament during the 2nd grade school year. This formation ensures that students have the necessary foundational knowledge of the faith and are ready to make Reconciliation a regular part of their lives as disciples. For more information about sacramental preparation, please contact the Parish Office at 563.359.0345, or email Morgan Davis by Clicking Here.
Sacraments 101: Penance (Why We Confess)
Why do we have to confess our sins to a priest? Can’t we just pray to God for forgiveness? If I sin but no one is affected then can I say, “no harm, no foul?” These questions and more are answered in this video about one of the healing sacraments, which celebrates the loving embrace of God.