Through the sacraments of Christian initiation, we receive the new life of Christ. Now we carry this life of “in earthen vessels,” and it remains “hidden with Christ in God.” We are still in our “earthly tent,” subject to suffering, illness, and death. This new life as a child of God can be weakened and even lost by sin. (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1420)
“Those who approach the sacrament of Penance obtain pardon from God’s mercy for the offense committed against him, and are, at the same time, reconciled with the Church which they have wounded by their sins and which by charity, by example, and by prayer labors for their conversion.” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1422)
Children must have been baptized to receive the Sacrament of Penance. In accordance with the policy of the Archdiocese of New Orleans, a two-year preparation program is required before the reception of the sacraments of First Penance and First Holy Communion. Attendance at a Catholic school for at least two years prior to receiving the sacraments or, if not enrolled in a Catholic school, attendance for at least two years prior to the sacrament at weekly parish school of religion, CCD classes.
Contrition: A sincere sorrow for having offended God, and the most important act of the penitent. There can be no forgiveness of sin if we do not have sorrow and a firm resolve not to repeat our sin.
Confession: Confronting our sins in a profound way to God by speaking about them, aloud to a Priest.
Penance: An important part of our healing is the “penance” the Priest imposes in reparation for our sins.
Absolution: The Priest speaks the words by which “God, the father of mercies” reconciles a sinner to himself through the merits of the cross.
The Sacrament of Penance is held each Saturday from 3:00pm to 3:40pm or by appointment.