Catholics of a certain age may not have fond memories of the sacrament of Reconciliation (often simply called “Confession”) . . . waiting for a light to turn from red to green so as to enter the confessional, pushing aside a heavy drape to kneel in a dark, claustrophobic space, and watching a panel slide away to reveal the profile of a priest ready to hear one’s admission of sins. It’s unfortunate that that recollection persists for so many—not only because the experience of the sacrament has changed so dramatically, but also because most Catholics literally don’t know what they’re missing. The ministry of Reconciliation is one of the most important charges given by Jesus to his Church, and in its current form it can bring immeasurable peace, insight, healing, and joy to the burdened heart approaching the Lord in this way.
Throughout his earthly ministry, Jesus was continually reaching out to sinners, and welcoming them to a renewed intimacy with his Father. Repentance, or conversion, are words for the deep change of heart and mind to which all believers are called—not just once, but throughout our lives. If Baptism recreates us in the image of Christ, liberating us from every trace of original sin, Reconciliation restores us over and over again to our baptismal dignity, setting us free from personal sins and reintegrating forgiven sinners into healthy communion with the People of God (see CCC, no. 1443).
As is true of all the sacraments, Reconciliation is more than a ritual; it is an encounter with the risen Lord, who, through the mediation of a priest, stretches out his hand to forgive us, to lift us up, to set us back on the right path, and to reassure us that we are once again in right relationship with God. It is a most beautiful gift of Divine Mercy, the reception of which requires only an honest and contrite heart, and a desire to avoid sin in the future.
Sacramental Reconciliation (Confession) is available at St. Lawrence each Saturday from 3:45 to 4:45 PM, and on other special occasions announced to the parish during the year. It can also be celebrated by making private arrangements with one of the priests.
A child’s first experience of the Sacrament of Reconciliation normally takes place in the winter of second grade, just a few months prior to the reception of First Holy Communion. To learn more about the program of Faith Formation for our young children in preparation for these sacraments, please click below.
