Confession

At Our Lady & St Joseph, we warmly invite you to take part in the Sacrament of Penance, available upon request. This sacrament, also known as confession, is a profound and sacred encounter with God’s mercy.

What is the Sacrament of Penance?

The Sacrament of Penance is a beautiful gift from God that allows us to seek forgiveness for our sins and be reconciled with Him and the Church. Pope Francis reminds us, “God never tires of forgiving us; we are the ones who tire of seeking his mercy.” Through this sacrament, we are not only freed from our sins but also called to extend compassion and forgiveness to others.

The Act of Confession

Confession is a personal and holy moment where we place ourselves in God’s presence, honestly acknowledging our sins, particularly mortal sins. As we confess, we are reminded of the profound truth that we cannot live without God: “In Him we live and move and have our being” (Acts 17:28). The priest, acting in the person of Christ, grants absolution, and we are reconciled with God and the Church.

The Process of Penance

1. Examination of Conscience: Reflect on your actions, thoughts, and words to identify sins you have committed.
2. Contrition: Feel genuine sorrow for your sins and a desire to turn away from them.
3. Confession: Speak openly and honestly to the priest about your sins.
4. Absolution: Receive God’s forgiveness through the priest’s words of absolution.
5. Penance: Complete the act of penance given by the priest, which often involves prayers or actions that help restore your relationship with God and others.

Preparing for Confession

Preparing for confession involves prayer and reflection. Begin with an examination of conscience, asking the Holy Spirit to reveal your sins. Consider using resources like the Ten Commandments or the Beatitudes as a guide. Approach the sacrament with a contrite heart and a sincere desire for reconciliation.

Pope Francis on the Sacrament of Penance

Pope Francis emphasises the transformative power of confession: “The Lord never tires of forgiving. It is we who tire of asking for forgiveness.” He encourages us to embrace the sacrament with an open heart, allowing God’s mercy to renew us. Indeed, it is important to remember that even the Holy Father Pope Francis attends confession regularly.

Contact Us

If you feel the need for confession or have any questions about the Sacrament of Penance, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. Confessions are available upon request, and we are here to support and guide you on your journey of faith.

Visit Our Lady & St Joseph

We welcome you to come and experience the loving embrace of God’s forgiveness. Let us help you find peace and renewal through the Sacrament of Penance.

May God’s grace and mercy be with you always.