Also known as “Confession,” this is one of the two “Sacraments of Healing” celebrated by the church. The Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick is the other. 

This sacrament gives us the opportunity to experience the gift of God’s mercy. Through reconciliation we receive healing as well as reconciliation with God, oneself, and others. This can be a personal encounter with a loving and forgiving God. As part of the sacrament, we confess our sins to a priest, feel a conversion of heart to change our ways, accept forgiveness and are absolved of our sins, and recommit to living out a Christian life. Reconciliation frees of us from our sins, and challenges us to forgive others as Christ forgives us.

The Church teaches that only God forgives sins. Since he is the Son of God, Jesus says of himself, "The Son of man has authority on earth to forgive sins" and exercises this divine power: "Your sins are forgiven." Further, by virtue of his divine authority he gives this power to men to exercise in his name (Catechism of the Catholic Church). 

We celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation at the following times:

•  Monday immediately following 8:30 am Mass (until there is noone in line)
•  Friday immediately following 8:30 am Mass (until there is noone in line)
•  Saturdays, 2:45 - 4:00 pm in the chapel. (*Confessions cannot be heard once Mass begins)

 If your child is preparing for their first reception of the Sacrament of Reconciliation, St. Stephen has an active program for sacramental preparation.

Resources:
How to go to confession
Examination of conscience