Reconciliation
Reconciliation (also called Confession or Penance) is the sacrament in the Catholic Church through which a person receives God’s forgiveness for sins committed after Baptism and is reconciled with both God and the Church.
How does reconciliation work?
- Examination of conscience – The person reflects on their sins.
- Confession – Sins are confessed to a priest.
- Act of contrition – The person expresses sorrow and a desire to change.
- Absolution – The priest, acting in the person of Christ, forgives the sins.
- Penance – The person completes an assigned act (such as prayer or service) to help repair the harm caused by sin.
Children may receive the sacrament of their First Reconciliation during their 1st Communion preparation in 2nd grade.
Confessions are offered at St. Matthew's on Saturdays from 3 - 4:30 PM and Mondays from 5 - 5:30 PM - Please see the bulletin for updated times!
