Penance (Reconciliation)
The Sacrament of Penance, also known as Reconciliation or Confession, is the liturgical celebration of God’s forgiveness of sins committed after Baptism to obtain pardon from God and to be reconciled with the Church. Contrition, the confession of sins, and satisfaction or reparation, together with the prayer of absolution by the priest, constitute the essential elements of the Sacrament of Penance.” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, #980, #1422, #1440, #1448).
Anyone who is aware of having committed a mortal (serious, grave) sin must not receive Holy Communion, even if he experiences deep contrition, without having first received sacramental absolution. Children must go to the Sacrament of Penance before receiving Holy Communion for the first time. (Catechism of the Catholic Church, #1457)
St. John Paul II said, “God is always the one who is principally offended by sin, and God alone can forgive. He does so through the ministry of the priest in the Sacrament of Penance, which is the ordinary way of obtaining forgiveness and remission of mortal sins. The confession of venial sins is strongly recommended. A good spiritual practice is to go to Confession at least once a month.
Anyone who is aware of having committed a mortal (serious, grave) sin must not receive Holy Communion, even if he experiences deep contrition, without having first received sacramental absolution. Children must go to the Sacrament of Penance before receiving Holy Communion for the first time. (Catechism of the Catholic Church, #1457)
St. John Paul II said, “God is always the one who is principally offended by sin, and God alone can forgive. He does so through the ministry of the priest in the Sacrament of Penance, which is the ordinary way of obtaining forgiveness and remission of mortal sins. The confession of venial sins is strongly recommended. A good spiritual practice is to go to Confession at least once a month.
Penance (Reconciliation) at St. Clement
Please see our Home Page for days and times the Sacrament of Penance is offered at St. Clement.
Parents of 2nd grade children in our PSR program and School attend a meeting in the Fall. A First Reconciliation evening is held in November/December. Home schooling families should contact a priest about receiving this sacrament for the first time.
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