Reconciliation
And Jesus said “Neither do I condemn you. Go on your way, and from now on do not sin again” ~ John 8:11
The Sacrament of Penance (sometimes called “confession” or “the sacrament of reconciliation”) is the great gift through which we enter into the mercy, forgiveness and peace of Christ in a new and deeper way.
Individual celebrations of the Sacrament of Penance can be made every Saturday afternoon between 3:00 and 4:00 PM at our Good Shepherd site or by appointment by calling the office at (585) 334-3518.
First Penance
“Children should be encouraged to prepare for the Sacrament of Penance/Reconciliation as they near the age of seven. Celebration of First Penance is to precede the celebration of First Eucharist. Parents are to be intimately involved in preparation for a child’s first reception of the Sacrament of Penance/Reconciliation.”(Policies for the Administration of the Sacraments, Bishop Salvatore Matano, #5.2.1, 5.2.2)
Please contact Gina Jennison to discuss preparing your child for the Sacrament of Penance. She can be reached at 585-334-3518 or gina.jennison@dor.org
How to Make a Good Confession
1) Examine Your Conscience: humbly and prayerfully examine what it is you have done wrong, what the quality of your relationships (with yourself, with those around you and with God) is, and name how it is you want to improve.
2) Celebrate the Sacrament of Penance:
~ begin with the sign of the cross and trust in God’s mercy
~ mention how long it has been since your last confession
~ confess your sins
~ allow the priest to encourage your faith with a word from scripture
~ accept a penance of prayer, fasting, or good works suggested by you or by the priest
~ make an act of contrition or prayer asking for God’s mercy (the priest will help you if you have forgotten this prayer)
~ listen as the priest proclaims God’s forgiveness over with the sign of the cross
~ go in peace
3) Carry out your Penance: then complete your reconciliation with God and the Church by carrying out your penance and by celebrating the Eucharist on the next nearest Sunday (and always)
4) Continue to Live in God’s Love: through daily prayer, Sunday Mass and good choices – always trusting in God’s loving presence with you.
“God, the Father of mercies, through the death and resurrection of his Son, has reconciled the world to himself and sent the Holy Spirit among us for the forgiveness of sins; through the ministry of the Church, may God give you pardon and peace, I absolve you from your sins in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.” ~ Prayer of Absolution