Reconciliation

One difficult human reality is that we sin. We harm ourselves, others, relationships and God our Father with our sinful and evil actions. However, our God is loving and will always pour out His mercy and forgiveness; we need only seek to reconcile ourselves with Him and with our community.

Our sins are forgiven by God. As Catholics we believe that Christ gave the power to his Apostles (and in turn, His priests) to reconcile sinners with God and the Church: “Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” (Mt 16:19) The priest, acting in persona Christi, listens to the sins of the contrite person, gives counsel and penance. The priest then absolves the sinner of their sins, and sends them on their way, to sin no more.

In order to receive absolution, the sinner must be truly sorry, confess all their sins to the priest, and perform the penance given to him.

At St. Patrick, we offer confessions on Fridays at 8:00 PM and Saturday at 9:30 AM and 3:30 PM. You may also call the parish office to schedule confession. If you are an adult interested in learning more about the Catholic Faith, including Reconciliation, please visit our RCIA Page Here to learn more about the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults.

Sacramental Prep

First Reconciliation and First Eucharist

Preparation of children for First Reconciliation and First Eucharist is offered in a separate preparation program in addition to weekly classes. A key part of the preparation process is designed to help parents grow in their own understanding and appreciation of the sacraments and to assist them as they pass along their faith, beliefs, and values to their children. Parent participation is mandatory.

Eligible candidates must be registered active members of the parish and should:

• Be in second grade or above
• Weekly participation in Sunday Mass is a MUST
• Participate and maintain satisfactory attendance in weekly classes or be a Catholic school student
• Have satisfactorily completed TWO FULL YEARS of faith formation instruction in a formal faith formation program in the year prior to beginning sacramental preparation. New parishioners must submit transfer records upon registration.