Penance
Those who approach the sacrament of Penance obtain pardon from God’s mercy for the offence 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 labours for their conversion.
Catechism of the Catholic Church, § 1422
Confession is a sacrament that people sometimes find daunting, or even scary. So our priests would like to say to you:
When we hear confessions our interest is not in your sins, but in giving you God’s forgiveness and mercy. We don’t remember what you say, and we’ve no interest in it beyond giving you Christ’s forgiveness and helping you to know that you are loved by God!
When we confess our sins, are sorry for them, and wish to dust ourselves off and try again, God promises that through the absolution given by the priest he will act. (1) He forgives us and welcomes us back to himself as a loving Father. (2) Our relationship with the church is restored. (3) We need have no fear of hell. (4) Our time in purgatory is shortened. (5) We are given peace, it’s a clean slate so our conscience needn’t trouble us and God will console us. (6) We are also given grace by God to fight the good fight and he’ll help us to avoid sin in the future.
For the most up-to-date information on confession times at any of our churches, please visit the Our Churches page. This page provides comprehensive details on when and where you can receive the Sacrament of Confession across all our church locations. We strive to keep this information current to ensure you can find a convenient time for confession.
If you can’t make any of those times, or you are sick or housebound, please just ask one of our priests.
If you are aware of having committed a mortal sin, you should go to Confession before receiving Holy Communion.
Venial sins may also be confessed, and doing so is spiritually beneficial.
If you are not sure whether something is mortal, come anyway – the priest will help you.
What Makes a Sin Mortal?
For a sin to be mortal, three conditions must be present:
• The matter is serious
• The person knows it is seriously wrong
• The person freely chooses to do it
Mortal sin cannot be committed accidentally.
• Genesis 45:1-15
• Joel 2:12-13
• Matthew 5:21-26, 38-48; 18:23-35
• Mark 2:1-12
• Luke 15:11-32
• John 20:19-23
• Romans – Chapter 6