Reconciliation

Because of our human weakness, the new life we receive in Christ through Baptism is often threatened by sin. Sin damages our relationship with God, and God is constantly reaching out to us to reconcile with him. In the sacrament of Reconciliation, the priest stands in the place of Jesus to forgive us of our sins. In confessing our sins, we must be honest, truly sorry, and must desire to strengthen our relationship with the Lord. The priest offers advice and assigns a penance, which is a prayer or action a person takes to show their sorrow and intention to do better in the future. A person should prepare before going to the sacrament of Reconciliation by examining his or her conscience to see where he or she has strayed from the Lord. Every priest who hears confessions is bound by the Seal of Confession and is bound under very severe penalties to keep absolute secrecy regarding any sin confessed to him. The act of confessing our sins aloud helps keep us honest and accountable. Reconciliation brings us back into harmony not only with God but with the entire community, who is also affected by our sin.

Reconciliation is offered at St. Peter by appointment, on Saturdays from 3:30-4:30 PM, during our Ignite Prayer events at 6:30 PM the third Tuesday of every month, and occasionally through parish penance services or days of mercy during the seasons of Advent and Lent.

Children wishing to go to Reconciliation for the first time usually do so in second grade but can do so later if they missed their opportunity. Children must be enrolled in our Catholic school or PSR program in order to receive First Reconciliation. Children must complete first grade PSR before they will be permitted to enroll in our second grade PSR class.