Reconciliation
"Confession is an act of honesty and courage – an act of entrusting ourselves, beyond sin, to the mercy of a loving and forgiving God."
- St. John Paul II
Confession Times
Saturday
3:30- 4:00 pm- St. Brigid
Wednesday
8:00-9:00 pm- Newman
*During student Holy Hour
By appointment
Fr. Valentine
413-256-6181 | v.nworah@diospringfield.org
A SACRAMENT OF HEALING
Also called Penance or Confession
What is the Sacrament of Reconciliation?
Reconciliation (or Confession) is a celebration of God’s merciful love for us. He doesn’t want us to fall, fail, or put ourselves down because of a mistake. He wants us to know He’s on our side so He waits for us with open arms when we come to Him with repentant hearts.
We practice Confession by admitting our shortcomings to a priest, because the priest is “in persona Christi” (“in the person of Christ”) in this sacrament. We are all in need of healing—who better to help us than Jesus. Confession is not about punishment, but about making things right again. The most important thing is that we are honest with ourselves and with God, so we can receive His love and grace.
First Reconciliation for children
Preparing for First Reconciliation usually happens within the formation for First Communion
For children, First Communion and First Reconciliation follows a two year preparation process, traditionally starting in the 1st grade. If your child is older than 2nd grade, we still follow a two year process through the regular classes, but with some additional focus during the second year on the study of the sacraments. Contact us for more details or to enroll your children in our program.
First Reconciliation for adults
Preparing for First Reconciliation for adults happens within our Order of Christian Initiation (OCIA) process. OCIA is a period of reflection, prayer, instruction, discernment, and formation. There is no set timetable, and those who join the process are encouraged to go at their own pace and to take as much time as they need. Contact us for more details.
Act of Contrition
O my God, I am very sorry that I have sinned against you,
because you are so good, and with your help I will not sin again.
~ Amen.
Rite of Reconciliation – What to do
1. The priest gives a blessing or greeting.
2. Make the Sign of the Cross and say “Bless me father, for I have sinned. My last confession was…” (Give weeks, months, years).
3. Confess all your sins to the priest. (If you are unsure or uneasy, the priest
will guide you.)
4. The priest assigns a penance and offers advice to help you be a better Catholic.
5. Say an Act of Contrition, expressing your sorrow for your sins.
6. The priest, acting in the person of Christ, then absolves you from your sins.
After the Sacrament of Reconciliation
Rejoice! You have received the forgiveness of Christ! What should you do when you leave? Remember the words you recited in the Act of Contrition to do your best, with God's help, to not sin again.
Before you leave the confessional, the priest will give you your penance, which may consist of prayer, an offering, works of mercy or sacrifices. These works help to join us with Christ, who alone died for us. The goal of our life’s journey is to grow closer to God. We can do this through prayer, spiritual reading, fasting and the reception of the Sacraments.
need to reach us?
Call 413.256.6181 or email Fr. Valentine to schedule a confession appointment.