Confession is a sacrament instituted by Jesus Christ in His love and mercy to offer sinners forgiveness for offenses committed against God. At the same time, sinners reconcile with the Church, because it also is wounded by our sins. We know this sacrament by various names: the Sacrament of Penance, Confession, or Reconciliation. This is good news for all of us, because we all are sinners and in need of God’s mercy, compassion and forgiveness. In the Sacrament of Penance, we meet Christ in the person of the priest, ready and eager to absolve us and restore us to new life. We confess our sins to God through His minister, the priest, who absolves us in the name of Christ. Why should we confess our sins? The Sacrament of Reconciliation is a sacrament of healing and a sacrament of conversion, returning us to the Father after our sin. We are to confess serious sins at least once a year; those aware of committing a mortal sin must receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation before receiving Holy Communion. The Church also encourages us to go to confession more frequently, in order that we might deepen our relationship with God, grow in humility and virtue, and help us to avoid future sin. (Catechism of the Catholic Church, No. 1458) Reconciiation is done every Saturday at 5:30pm or by appointment call Father Pete at 740-654-2874.