Reconciliation
The Sacrament of Penance, also called Confession or Reconciliation, is one of the two sacraments of healing. This sacrament is for the forgiveness of sins a person commits after Baptism. The Church receives this power to forgive sins when Jesus says to the apostles (the first bishops), after His resurrection,
Receive the Holy Spirit. Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained. -John 20:22-23
There is a special room located in the sanctuary area which allows for either an anonymous setting or a face-to-face approach. Our Parish offers regular times (listed below) as well as additional opportunities during the Advent and Lent season.
St Mary:
Monday-Friday, 8:00-8:20 a.m.
(before Daily Mass)
Saturday, 3:30-4:15 p.m.
(before Mass)
St. Pius X:
1st Wednesday, 7:00-7:45 p.m.
If these times are not convenient or there is an urgent need to schedule an individual appointment with a priest, please contact the Parish office at 419-447-2087 or tfry@stmarychurch.com
The Value of Confession
We unburden ourselves to another caring person, an interested listener, and one who strives to lift us from our troublesome situations. By hearing the words of absolution, we walk away experiencing God's mercy, the knowledge of God's forgiveness, and the feeling of guilt removed.
As Catholics, we believe that all sacraments give God's love, grace. The special graces from Reconciliation restore us to wholeness.
Act of Contrition
O my God,
I am heartily sorry for having offended Thee,
and I detest all my sins,
because I dread the loss of heaven, and the pains of hell;
but most of all because they offend Thee, my God,
Who are all good and deserving of all my love.
I firmly resolve, with the help of Thy grace,
to confess my sins, to do penance,
and to amend my life.
Amen.
"How To" Confession
A good Catholic examination of conscience can be a great help in making a new start in the life of faith. We use an examination of conscience to help call to mind our sins and failings during a period of quiet reflection before approaching the Priest in Confession.
It's important for an examination of conscience to be thorough. This will help you to consider what sins you are
guilty of and make you aware of sins you might not realize as sins.
First Reconciliation for Children
The sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Communion are typically received by baptized Catholics in the second grade after preparation in CCD or Catholic School classes. Learn more here.
First Reconciliation for Adults
If you are an adult who has never received your First Reconciliation, please contact the Becoming Catholic team about preparation for this sacrament.
