Penance & Reconciliation
Not only does it [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).
Preparation for the Sacrament
Preparation takes place in the second grade year during Religion Classes at St. Monica School or in Sunday Morning Religious Education classes. Before beginning preparation for the sacrament, children must already have completed a full year of religious education in either the School or Sunday School. If a child has already entered the second grade - or is in grades 3 through 8 - but has not yet had any formal religious education, they will need to contact our Director of Religious Education for help in getting into the group that is right for them.
The Sacrament is an occasions for joy - not just for the child's family, but for the entire Church. We celebrate with great joy these times of grace in the lives of children and their families! Call our Director fo Religious Education, Mary Jo Thomas-Day for help getting started. 317-253-2193
For more information on the Sacrament of Penance & Reconciliation click here.