Confessions: Sacrament of Penance

Etymology: Latin con – thoroughly + fateri – to acknowledge.

The voluntary self-accusation of one’s sins to a qualified priest in order to obtain absolution from sin. This accusation must be an external manifestation. When there is no mortal sin to confess, it is sufficient to confess any previous sins from one’s past, or any present venial sins of which a person has been guilty, in order to obtain absolution and the grace of the Sacrament of Penance.

Three parables — the lost sheep, the lost coin and the prodigal son – tell of God’s fatherly love and his divine solicitude for those who invoke his mercy. Consistent with his teaching – words and actions until his death, forgiving those who crucified him – the risen Christ instituted the sacrament of mercy as his first gift to the Church on Easter Sunday night. The scene is recorded by St. John: “Jesus said to them again, ‘Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.’ And when he has said this, he breathed on them and said to them, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit. Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained.’” (Jn 20:21).

Confessions are held before and after masses.  See Full Schedule Here