RECONCILIATION
The Sacrament of Reconciliation, also called Confession or Penance, is a sacrament of healing and renewal. The Catechism of the Catholic Church tell us that “the whole power of the sacrament of Penance consists in restoring us to God’s grace and joining us with him in an intimate friendship… [it] brings about a true ‘spiritual resurrection,’ restoration of the dignity and blessings of the life of the children of God.” It is a healing opportunity to experience God's love, mercy, and forgiveness. Through this sacrament, we are invited to repair our relationship with God and others, rediscovering the peace and joy that come from living in harmony with him.
Why Reconciliation Matters
Life can sometimes leave us feeling distant from God or burdened by guilt, shame, fear, or anxiety, but the Sacrament of Reconciliation reminds us that we are never beyond his love. It is not about judgment or shame, but rather healing, growth, restoration, and being reconciled to God. For those who receive it with openness and sincerity, the sacrament of Reconciliation brings peace, clarity, and a sense of freedom, allowing them to move forward with renewed strength and purpose.
No matter where you are in your faith or how long it’s been since your last confession, the Sacrament of Reconciliation is the step towards freedom and discovering the power of grace and peace through God’s infinite mercy. “With God, every moment is the moment of beginning again!”
Through the Sacrament of Reconciliation:
Sins are forgiven and the eternal punishment due mortal sin is remitted.
Lost grace is recovered.
We are reconciled to God.
We are reconciled to the Church (no sin is private).
We grow in self-knowledge.
We increase in spiritual strength for the Christian life.
We enjoy peace, serenity of conscience, and spiritual consolation.
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Take time to reflect on your life since your last confession and ask the Holy Spirit to reveal any sins in your life. It’s helpful to use an examination of conscience or reflect on the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:2-17) or the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-12), to bring to mind ways we’ve fallen short in love for God and others. The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops offers excellent resources.
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The Sacrament of Reconciliation is a personal encounter with God’s mercy. If you are uncertain of how to go to confession, simply tell the priest and he will help you. Typically, here is the process:
Enter the confessional, kneel, and wait until the priest is ready. Then make the sign of the Cross and say: “Bless me, Father, for I have sinned. My last confession was (weeks, months, years) ago.”
Confess your sins honestly and openly to Jesus in the person of the priest (it can be difficult to be vulnerable in this way but be assured that the priest is there to help you make a good confession and can coach you through this time.)
The priest will assign a penance, which may be a prayer or a good deed.
Express sincere sorrow for sin and resolve to avoid sin in the future by praying an Act of Contrition aloud.
Receive absolution—God’s gift of forgiveness—spoken over you by the priest, who acts in the person of Christ.
The priest may conclude with: "Your sins have been forgiven, go in peace,” to which you respond, “Thanks be to God.”
After confession, it is important to carry out your penance in a timely fashion as a sign of your sorrow and gratitude and in order to receive the full effects of this sacrament of healing.
The Sacrament of Reconciliation is available at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception Monday-Friday from 11:30 am-12:00 pm, Saturday from 4:00-4:45 pm, and Sunday half an hour before Mass.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION:
The Catechism of the Catholic Church (paragraphs 1420-1498)
ANOINTING OF THE SICK
The Anointing of the Sick is a sacrament of healing, offering consolation and peace to those who are seriously ill, and can be a source of both physical and spiritual healing. The sacrament may be received by those facing surgery, struggling with aging, or serious physical infirmity or mental illness. The Catechism of the Catholic Church tell us that, “by the sacred anointing of the sick and the prayer of the priests the whole Church commends those who are sick to the suffering and glorified Lord, that he may raise them up and save them. And indeed, she exhorts them to contribute to the good of the People of God by freely uniting themselves to the Passion and death of Christ.”
Why the Anointing of the Sick Matters
Illness can leave us feeling vulnerable, isolated, or afraid. The Anointing of the Sick reminds us that God is present in our suffering, that he can bring good out of it, and that His love never fails, even in difficult times. We are given God’s strength to face challenges with courage, we experience God’s love, and may receive comfort and healing to our hearts, souls and bodies. The Anointing of the Sick is often celebrated with the Sacrament of Reconciliation, both being sacraments of healing. In this sacrament, we are invited to discover that the ultimate healing is heaven.
Through the Anointing of the Sick:
We receive spiritual healing and, if God wills it, physical healing.
We receive the strength, peace, and courage of the Holy Spirit to endure suffering, illness or aging.
We are united to Christ’s passion and participate in the saving action of Jesus for our personal holiness.
Our redemptive suffering is an “ecclesial grace”, a spiritual offering that contributes to the good of the Church and the holiness of all people.
We are prepared for our final journey to heaven.
Our sins are forgiven, if we are not able to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
Those in need of Anointing of the Sick may make request it from the priest. The Cathedral offers a monthly Mass with prayers for healing on the third Tuesday of the month, with the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick offered following the Mass.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE SACRAMENT OF ANOINTING OF THE SICK:
The Catechism of the Catholic Church (paragraphs 1499-1532)