The Sacrament of Reconciliation

The Sacrament of Reconciliation (or Penance) is one of two Sacraments of Healing. Not wanting us to remain in our sins, Jesus instituted this Sacrament after His resurrection. He wants us to experience mercy and freedom!

"When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, ‘Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I send you.’ And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and said to them, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.’”
- John 20:20-23

A Sacrament That Heals

Just as when we are physically sick, and we need to see a doctor, the same is true for our spiritual health. Saint Thomas Aquinas explains that: "In the life of the body a man is sometimes sick, and unless he takes medicine, he will die. Even so in the spiritual life a man [woman] is sick on account of sin. For that reason, he needs medicine so that he may be restored to health; and this grace is bestowed in the Sacrament of Penance." This Sacrament heals our broken relationship with God, the Church and with others. We are made new! Discover how confession is a place of victory!

Receiving Reconciliation for the First Time

For children entering second grade or older, we offer preparation to receive the sacraments of Reconciliation and Holy Communion for the first time.

Required Documentation

If your child was not baptized at Holy Spirit, we are required to receive from you a recently-issued baptismal certificate. This is a request that parishes regularly receive; simply call the church where your child was baptized to request the certificate. Original certificates or copies of the original certificate cannot be accepted.

Registration

For those with children attending a school other than Holy Spirit Catholic School, in addition to the sacramental preparation registration, you need to register for Keep the Fire Burning Family Formation.

  • Do you have questions regarding your child preparing for and receiving the sacraments of Reconciliation and the Holy Communion?

  • Are you an adult desiring to complete your own Sacraments of Initiation into the Catholic Church or have questions about this Sacrament?

We would love to speak with you! Contact Jim Campbell with questions.

Resources

Don't know where to start?

Confessions are heard on Saturdays from 3–4 p.m. in the church.