The Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession) is an experience of the gift of God's boundless mercy. Not only does it free us from our sins but it also challenges us to have the same kind of compassion and forgiveness for those who sin against us. We are liberated to be forgivers. We obtain new insight into the words of the Prayer of St. Francis: "It is in pardoning that we are pardoned."
Reconciliation is an experience of the gift of God’s boundless mercy.
Jesus entrusted the ministry of reconciliation to the Church. The Sacrament of Reconciliation is God's gift to us so that any sin committed after Baptism can be forgiven. In confession we have the opportunity to repent and recover the grace of friendship with God. It is a holy moment in which we place ourselves in his presence and honestly acknowledge our sins. With absolution, we are reconciled to God and the Church. The Sacrament helps us stay close to the truth that we cannot live without God. "In him we live and move and have our being" (Acts 17:28). While all the Sacraments bring us an experience of the mercy that comes from Christ's dying and rising, it is the Sacrament of Reconciliation that is the unique Sacrament of mercy.
From the United States Catholic Catechism for Adults
Guidelines for First Reconciliation at Our Lady of Lourdes
In order to receive First Reconciliation at Our Lady of Lourdes, a child must be baptized and be in a religious education program the year prior to and the year of First Reconciliation Program. If a child is new to the parish, and wishes to enroll in the First Reconciliation Program, parents must request a letter from their former parish detailing their child’s participation in a religious education program the previous year. At that point, the child may be enrolled in our program. First Reconciliation is traditionally celebrated at Our Lady of Lourdes in Grade 2.
Sacrament of Reconciliation at Our Lady of Lourdes
Confessions are heard on Saturday from 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM and Wednesday 12:00 PM - 12:30 PM or by appointment. To schedule an appointment for Reconciliation, please contact the parish office (919) 861-4600.