Reconciliation
And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the holy Spirit. Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained.”
John 20:22–23
Reconciliation
In the Sacrament of Reconciliation, we receive God’s loving mercy. Although it goes by other names, such as Penance or Confession, the gift the Lord gives us is the same. Jesus gives the apostles the authority to forgive sins 🟡 (John 20:22–23) and through their successors, the bishops, and their priests, God gives his Church the ability to wash away our sins every time we humbly ask 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, no. 1422
Confession at St. Catherine’s
Confessions are held inside the Church at the Reconciliation Room (Confessional) located at the end of the narthex. Enter the Church through the main entrance and walk down the hallway to the end.
When the priest is hearing confessions, the end of the narthex will be closed in order to give privacy for those who wish to receive the sacrament. If you need to use the restrooms during confession times, we ask that you go into the Church and go back through the rear door to get there. This part of the narthex will reopen after confessions.
You can find the schedule for confession times along with masses, adoration, and our other prayers and devotions on the mass times page.
If you are unable to come for confession during our regular schedule, you may also book an appointment by contacting our parish office.
Communal Penance Services
In order to prepare ourselves for the celebration of Christmas and Easter each year, St. Catherine’s will have a communal penance service during Advent and Lent respectively. We will have many priests visiting from other parishes ready to hear confessions. Please check out the parish bulletin and our events posts for more information.
First Reconciliation
Youth
If your child has been baptized, your child will enroll in our Religious Education program and will receive his or her First Reconciliation before receiving First Holy Communion. Visit Religious Education for more information.
Children enrolled in the Order of Christian Initiation of Children (OCIC) will prepare for their First Reconciliation during the program.
Adult
If you have been baptized but have not received the Sacrament of Reconciliation — whether for the first time or after a long absence — you are welcome to come during our regularly scheduled confession times or schedule an appointment. Our priests will assist you in making your confession and receiving God’s loving mercy and forgiveness.
Adults enrolled in the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) will prepare for their first confession during the program.