Penance is an experience
of the gift of God’s boundless mercy.

Not only does the Sacrament of Penance 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." 

Jesus entrusted the ministry of reconciliation to the Church.  The Sacrament of Penance 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, especially mortal 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).    

~from the United States Catholic Catechism for Adults

Opportunities to Receive the Sacrament

The Sacrament of Reconciliation (also called "Confession" or "Penance") is celebrated at Saint Francis Borgia on Saturday morning after the 8:00 am Mass, and on Saturday afternoon, from 3:30 pm to 4:15 pm.  Other times may be arranged by appointment by contacting one of our priests.

During Advent & Lent, the parish offers additional times for the Sacrament of  Reconciliation.  Consult the bulletin for details.

A pamphlet entitled "A Guide for Confession" is available to assist individuals in receiving the sacrament.  You may contact a priest for a copy or click on link below to print a copy.

"A Guide for Confession"

"How to Make a Life Changing Confession"

FOR YOUTH

The Catholic Sacrament of Reconciliation (also known as Penance) has three elements: conversion, confession and celebration. In it we find God's unconditional forgiveness and therefore we are called to forgive others.

Preparation for this sacrament begins in first grade and takes place either within the St. Francis Borgia School curriculum or the Parish School of Religion.

In the fall of the students second grade year, we will have a parent/student retreat and informational gathering. All families with children who wish to receive their First Reconciliation, will need to attend this gathering.  If your child is preparing for their First Reconciliation as a home-schooled student, we ask that you attend the parent/student retreat and informational gathering as well.

If you have a child in third grade or older and who has not received First Reconciliation or First Eucharist, help in preparing your child for these Sacraments is only a phone call away. 

For more information, please contact:

Kyra Gulledge, Coordinator of Religious Education
636-239-6701 ext 1277

FOR ADULTS

Preparing adults to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation for the first time is part of the RCIA process.  Catechumens, who are baptized during the Easter Vigil, are not required to receive Reconciliation prior to the Easter Vigil since Baptism removes all sin.  They are encouraged to participate in the sacrament frequently subsequent to Easter. Participants in RCIA who have been previously baptized in another Christian denomination receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation just prior to the Easter Vigil.

Weekly RCIA meetings are held beginning in September and culminate with the Easter Vigil.
 

For more details, please contact:

Deacon David Tobben, Sacramental Ministry
[email protected]