Reconciliation

Reconciliation and Relationship

Reconciliation is a Sacrament instituted by Jesus in his love and mercy to offer sinners forgiveness. At the same time, sinners are also reconciled with the Church because she is also wounded by our sins.

Every time we sin, we hurt God, other people and ourselves. In Reconciliation, we acknowledge our sins before God and his Church. We express our sorrow in a meaningful way, receive the forgiveness of Jesus, make reparation for what we have done and resolve to do better in the future.  Reconciliation involves four elements:

1. Contrition – a sincere sorrow for having sinned against God*;
2. Confession – confronting our sins in a profound way to God by speaking aloud of them to the priest, God’s minister;
3. Penance – a fundamental part of the healing process in which we are called to acts of good to reverse the harm done by our sin; and
4. Absolution – the priest speaks the words by which “God, the Father of Mercies” reconciles us to himself through the merits of the cross.

Preparing for Reconciliation

Confession Times: See the Bulletin or the Mass Times & Confession section for times when the Sacrament of Reconciliation is offered. The Sacrament of Reconciliation is also available by appointment. Please contact the Parish Office (613-256-1034) to schedule a time. Penitential Services with individual confession are held twice annually, during the seasons of Advent and Lent.

• Examination of Conscience before Confession: Please read this document.

Act of Contrition: An Act of Contrition* expresses our sorrow for what we have done and commits us to improving our way of living and relationships. The Act of Contrition is said within the confessional before the priest gives a penance and absolution.

• Act of Contrition during Confession: Please read this document: Info sheet about the Act of Contrition

Memorize it or make it up? It is probably wiser to memorize an Act of Contrition, as above. If you then feel comfortable enough, you may want to use your own words, ensuring that your Act of Contrition includes all three of the following elements:

• Step 1: True Sorrow for Sin
• Step 2: Renunciation of Sin
• Step 3: Firm Purpose  of Amendment

First Reconciliation for Adults

If you are interested in receiving the Sacrament of Reconciliation for yourself for the first time, kindly see our Adult Faith Formation/ RCIA page, and use the contact form. We will be happy to assist you.