Reconciliation in St Brigid’s Parish

Reconciliation is celebrated at noon each Saturday at St Joseph the Worker Church.

Additional times are advertised before Christmas and Easter. Reconciliation is also available by appointment.

If it has been a long time since you have been to Confession, or if you are unsure what to do, simply tell the priest. He will help you through the celebration of the sacrament.

A simple guide to Confession is available by clicking on this link.

You may also find the video below helpful. It explains the basic steps of going to Confession.

The Sacrament of Reconciliation

Reconciliation is one of the Church’s sacraments of healing.

In this sacrament, we come before God honestly. We acknowledge our sins, entrust ourselves to God’s mercy, and receive forgiveness through the ministry of the priest. The sacrament restores our relationship with God and reconciles us with the Church.

Confession is not meant to be a test or an ordeal. It is a meeting with the mercy of Christ. We name our sins as plainly as we can, express sorrow for them, receive absolution, and are given a penance to help us begin again.

The usual elements of the sacrament are:
1. contrition — sorrow for sin and a desire to turn back to God
2. confession — naming our sins to the priest
3. absolution — the prayer of forgiveness given by the priest
4. penance — a small act of prayer, charity, or conversion

The priest is bound by the seal of confession. What is confessed in the sacrament is never repeated.

Many people feel nervous before Confession, especially if they have been away for some time. That is understandable. You do not need perfect words.

A simple beginning is enough:
“Father, it has been a long time, and I am not sure what to do.”

The priest will guide you from there.