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The celebration of this sacrament is thus always
an act in which the Church proclaims its faith,
gives thanks to God for the freedom with which Christ made us free,
and offers its life as a spiritual sacrifice in praise of God’s glory,
as it hastens to meet the Lord Jesus.”– Rite of Penance, no. 7
Those who approach the sacrament of Penance obtain pardon from God's mercy for the offense 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 labors for their conversion.-Catechism of the Catholic Church 1422
This sacrament brings us God's forgiveness through the words of a priest, makes us holy and reconciles us with God and the Church (previously called "Penance" or "Confession").
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Receiving the Sacrament
The faithful may receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation each Wednesday, 6:00 p.m. prior to the 6:30 p.m. Mass. Additional times are offered during Advent and Lent as well as Portage County Communal Services. Please refer to the Liturgical Year Page or to our weekly bulletin for more details.
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Communal Penance Services or Reconciliation Services
Communal Penance Services or Reconciliation Services are held during Advent and Lent at parishes. Sometimes parishes combine services for this sacrament. All are always welcome regardless of what parish a person is registered at, even if they aren’t registered at any parish yet.
Advent and Lent are beautiful times to celebrate the reconciling love and the healing graces our Lord offers us. Like all religious experiences, it takes preparation.
Reconciliation is what God does. Receiving it and celebrating it is what we do. The Sacrament of Reconciliation is a most natural way to celebrate His forgiveness and love. The Sacrament of Reconciliation is the opportunity to grow closer to God.
Communal Penance Services or Reconciliation Services are a form of sacramental confession. It mixes public prayer and individual confession to a priest, followed by absolution. A communal penance service always includes the following:
- The penitents and sorrow for sin usually expressed in an Act of Contrition
- Confession of sins to a priest with absolution given
- An act of penance
The Structure of the Service
Public Prayer
Usually, a communal penance service includes a Scripture reading and a brief exhortation by the priest. An examination of conscience follows this, and the community prays the Act of Contrition together. Sometimes, a single, general penance is assigned to everyone participating; at other times, a penance is given during the individual confession.Individual Confession and Reconciliation
After the communal part of the ceremony, those present will individually confess their sins to the priest and receive absolution and penance if it has not been assigned in the communal setting. The Act of Contrition is not repeated privately because it has been part of the communal service. The priest prays the words of absolution individually over the penitent, or a collective penance is given.
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First Reconciliation
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It is customary for children in second grade to receive this sacrament. Diocesan policy states that children must be enrolled in two consecutive years of religious formation (PSR classes or attend Catholic School) to participate. Parents and children are to also participate in the parish sponsored sacrament preparation program (see below). Students in grade two (along with their parents) are invited to prepare for the Sacrament of Reconciliation for the first time. This Sacrament must be made prior to receiving First Eucharist.
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