What Is Reconciliation?

Healing, forgiveness and conversion are a part of every Christian's life. For Catholics the celebration of the Sacrament of Penance / Reconciliation brings the penitent closer to Christ and the faith community. Through this sacrament of forgiveness, the penitent examines one's life, confesses one's sins to a priest, accepts the penance and receives the forgiveness of the Church through the absolution of the priest. Individual celebrations of the Sacrament of Penance (Rite I) take place before every Mass at Saint Anthony.

During the seasons of Advent and Lent, the sacrament takes place in the framework of a communal celebration. Parishioners prepare themselves together and give thanks together for the forgiveness received. Here, the personal confession of sins and individual absolution are inserted into a liturgy of the word of God with readings and homily, an examination of conscience conducted in common, a communal request for forgiveness. This communal celebration expresses more clearly the ecclesial character of penance. This celebration is called the Sacrament of Penance (Rite II).