“In imparting to his apostles his own power to forgive sins, the Lord also gives them the authority to reconcile sinners with the Church… in Christ’s solemn words to Simon Peter: ‘I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.’”
Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1444
The Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation restores us to God’s grace and heals our relationship with the Church. Through the ministry of the priest, Christ forgives our sins and grants us the strength to live renewed in His love.
Confession is available following weekday Masses and the Saturday Vigil Mass, or by appointment.
First Reconciliation
“According to the Church’s command, after having attained the age of discretion, each of the faithful is bound by an obligation faithfully to confess serious sins at least once a year. Children must go to the sacrament of Penance before receiving Holy Communion for the first time.”
Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1457
The First Reception of the Sacrament of Reconciliation is an important step in a child’s sacramental journey, preparing them to receive the Eucharist worthily.
Archdiocesan requirements
- The child must be at least 7 years old.
- The child must have regularly attended and successfully completed the previous year in religious education classes. If completed at another parish, provide a letter from that parish’s Director of Religious Education.
- Provide a baptismal certificate from the church of Baptism.
- The family must be registered with the parish and attend Mass and Holy Days regularly as a family.