Sacrament of Reconciliation

Repentance, Forgiveness, Conversion

The Sacrament of Reconciliation, also known as Penance, is the first of two sacraments of healing. It is often called our “second baptism,” in the sense that we are once again brought out of the darkness of sin and into the life and light of Christ.

We also must remember that Reconciliation not only gives us the grace of forgiveness, but also the grace and the power of the Holy Spirit to overcome sin and to fight temptation.

In other words, the more we receive Penance the more we will have the grace and the power to overcome sin in the future. Not only does Penance restore us to life, but it is also an extraordinary medicine against temptation and sin.

Children who were baptized as infants may prepare to begin celebrating the Sacrament of Reconciliation when they are in the second grade. Parental participation is an essential element in the preparation process. Instruction and materials are provided for parents to aid them in fulfilling this responsibility.