The Sacrament of Reconciliation (also known as Confession or Penance) is the means by which Christ heals a person of wounds caused by his/her sins. This Sacrament expresses God’s unfathomable love and mercy for His people. For this to happen, each of us must freely choose to accept God’s invitation to share in His life. However, given our tendency to be self-centred, we make choices and sometimes behave in ways that are contrary to God’s law or plan. We call these sins and they lessen our relationship with God and with one another. Through Christ’s death and Resurrection, there is now the opportunity to be restored in our relationship to God. Individual confession with a priest is the principal means of absolution and reconciliation of grave sins within the Church.

Confession is an act of honesty and courage – an act of entrusting ourselves, beyond sin, to the mercy of a loving and forgiving God. - Pope St John Paul II

The Sacrament of Reconciliation frees us from sinful patterns of behaviour and calls us to complete conversion to Christ. Reconciliation heals our sins and repairs our relationships.

• This sacrament may be received as often as necessary.

• Those who are conscious of any grave or mortal sin should receive this sacrament before receiving Holy Communion.

• The seal of confession binds the priest to a sacred silence about an individual confession.

• The priest helps us to make a confession. If we are confused, unsure or simply don’t know what to say, the priest will offer assistance.

• Penitents can choose to celebrate this sacrament anonymously or face-to-face.

The Sacrament of Reconciliation is celebrated every Saturday in both Churches. Reception of the sacrament can also be scheduled on request.