Reconciliation

Asking for forgiveness

“Those who approach the sacrament of Penance obtain pardon from God’s mercy for the offense committed against him, and are, at the same time, reconciled with the Church which they have wounded by their sins and which by charity, by example, and by prayer labors for their conversion.” (Catechism of the Catholic Church 1422)

The Sacrament of Penance is a liturgical action instituted by the Church for the reconciliation of sinners to communion with God and with the Church. Catholics are obliged to go to confession to receive the sacrament of penance at least once a year – usually during the Easter season – or whenever they are conscious of serious sin. Receiving this sacrament is encouraged at other times as a means of restoring full unity with God and His Church and for spiritual growth.

The Sacrament of Penance is available at St Luke’s before Holy Mass and during Eucharistic Adoration. The Sacrament is also available by appointment through the Parish Office.

During Advent and Lent, there will be extra sessions of Sacramental celebrations. Please check the bulletin during these periods of the year for times and places.

Community Celebration and individual confession & absolution is held during Lent and Advent each year.  Please check the bulletin during these periods of the year for times and places.

First Reconciliation for Children

The Sacrament of First Reconciliation is celebrated here at St Luke’s for Children aged 7+ (or Year 2 or above) who have been baptised. First Reconciliation dates are organised at the beginning of each year in collaboration with St Luke’s Primary School.

Please Contact the Parish Office to learn more about Reconciliation in our Parish.

Here are some answers to common questions about Reconciliation that will help you better understand this significant act of faith. Please click on the link HERE

Reconciliation Guide

Confession begins with the (1) Sign of the Cross and the penitent greeting the priest with the words, (2) “Bless me, Father, for I have sinned. My last confession was ….” (weeks, months, years).

The penitent (3) confesses sins to the priest, who stands in the name of Christ and the Church. The priest will help you make a good confession. If you are unsure or uneasy, ask the priest to help. Place your trust in God, a merciful Father who wants to forgive you. Following the confession of sins, say, (4) “This is all I can remember. I am sorry for these and all my sins.”

The priest will assign you a (5) penance. The penance takes into account your personal situation and supports your spiritual good. It may be a prayer, an offering, works of mercy, service, or sacrifice; whatever the penance, the individual is joined in some way to Christ and the cross.

The penitent will then pray an (6) Act of Contrition. This prayer expresses true sorrow for the sins confessed. This prayer may be expressed in one’s own words or one may use one of the formal prayers of sorrow.

The priest, acting in the person of Christ, will absolve you from your sins by saying the prayer of (7) Absolution. As the prayer is ending, the penitent makes the (8) Sign of the Cross and responds, “Amen.”

The priest will express some (9) words of praise and blessing. The penitent leaves, completing the (10) assigned penance.

Act of Contrition

O my God, I am heartily sorry for having offended you, and I detest all my sins not because of your just punishment, but most of all because they offend you, my God, who is all-good and deserving of all my love. I firmly resolve, with the help of your grace, to sin no more and to avoid the near occasion of sin. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Or

O, My God, I am very sorry that I have sinned against you because you are so good, and with your grace, I will try not to sin again.