Reconciliation / Confession

CHURCH OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION
NEWCASTLE

After 10.00 am Mass on Sundays

What is the Sacrament of Reconciliation

The Sacrament of Reconciliation is also known as the ‘Sacrament of Penance’ or traditionally called ‘Confession’. It is the rite by which sins are confessed and forgiven. Sin is a failure to recognise and love God in the way we think or act. Sin is also not just a failure to love God directly but also a failure to love one another. This is referred to as “the community sense of sin”.

Absolution

Any person who has been baptised and prepared appropriately can receive this sacrament. In this sacrament, people are forgiven their sins by the words and actions of the priest. We call this ‘Absolution’. The priest represents God and the community who is affected by sin and the priest ministers forgiveness on behalf of God and the community.

Forms of celebration

The sacrament can be celebrated in a one-to-one encounter with a priest: this is known as ‘individual confession’. Many parishes also organise ‘Penitential Services’ at special times; e.g. Advent, Lent and Parish Missions. In this form of celebration, which is communal, people prepare as a community and many priests hear the confessions individually and people receive absolution individually.

Penance

Penance is a sign of sorrow and a commitment to try to make amends. It is also a sign of our sincerity to change our lives. This is what is meant by conversion. When the Sacrament is a communal celebration, the penance is said as a community, once all have had the opportunity to confess. When celebrated in the traditional one-to-one form, a penance is given and the person takes on that penance privately.

Children’s Confessions

First Confession is arranged as a part of the First Holy Communion Programme every year. Confession for Confirmation is also arranged as part of the Confirmation Programme.

Confessions for the housebound

Confessions are also available to the housebound. This can be arranged through the Parish Office or any of the Priests. Details of phone numbers can be found on the home page.