Father Frank offers the Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession) after 10am Mass in Saint Kevin’s church on the first Saturday of the month or on request (please contact Father Frank or the parish office to arrange a time).
The Sacrament of Penance or Reconciliation (Confession) is a sacrament of loving welcome and forgiveness on the part of God, of sorrow and joyful return on the part of the penitent, and of reconciliation through and with the community of the Church.
It is a personal encounter with Jesus Christ, through whose death and resurrection God has reconciled the world to himself and sent the Holy Spirit among us for the forgiveness of sins. It is a celebration, therefore, both of the mercy of God and of the joy of the penitent and the community.
(The Place of Worship, Irish Episcopal Commission for Liturgy.)
Confession (or Penance or Reconciliation) is the sacrament by which we, repenting and confessing our sins, are absolved for sin through the ministry of a priest.
Confession is important because it is the normal way we can be forgiven our sins after our Baptism. The regular practice of Confession is important because it helps us to deal with our sins quickly, develop a mature conscience and give grace to resist temptation. The act of confession itself bestows healing and a sense of release from the burden of sin.
There are 5 stages /steps in Reconciliation
- Examination of Conscience – I realise that I’ve done wrong and feel sorry
- Confession – I am sorry
- Penance – I accept my penance and pray the Act of Sorrow
- Absolution – I am forgiven
- Resolving to Try Again – I try again
If you feel the need or want to go to Confession but have not been in a while, don’t worry. Fr Frank is there to be able to talk you through every step of the way and to make it a positive encounter with God for you.
