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THE SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION
The forgiveness of sins committed after Baptism is conferred by a particular sacrament called the “sacrament of conversion, confession, penance, or reconciliation”. The Catechism of the Catholic Church continues its teaching by stating, “The whole power of the sacrament of Penance consists in restoring us to God’s grace and joining us with him in an intimate friendship.” Reconciliation with God is thus the purpose and effect of this sacrament. For those who receive [it] with contrite heart and religious disposition, reconciliation is ‘is usually followed by peace and serenity of conscience with strong spiritual consolation.’” (#1468)
The Sacrament of Reconciliation is available in several ways:- Saturday afternoons, 4:15-5:00 pm in the church
- By appointment. Contact the Parish Office, 206-935-0358
- Communal Reconciliation Services during the Advent and Lenten seasons in preparation for Christmas and Easter (opportunities for individual confession will be available at the end of the services).
(Please note: If you are in the state of serious sin, the Church asks that you meet with a priest for individual confession, absolution and spiritual support.)
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WHY CONFESS MY SINS?
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A PERFECT CONFESSION
The catechism describes contrition as “sorrow of the soul and detestation for the sin committed, together with the resolution not to sin again.” Perfect contrition goes beyond this and “arises f rom a love by which God is loved above all else.” Perfect contrition “obtains the forgiveness of mortal sins if it includes the firm resolution to have recourse to sacramental confession as soon as possible” (CCC 1452–1452). While the ordinary way to receive absolution is through sacramental confession, through an act of perfect contrition you can receive the forgiveness of your sins — even mortal sins — outside of the sacrament, provided you are firmly resolved to reform your life and intend to go to confession as soon as possible. The catechism describes contrition as “sorrow of the soul and detestation for the sin committed, together with the resolution not to sin again.” Perfect contrition goes beyond this and “arises f rom a love by which God is loved above all else.” Perfect contrition “obtains the forgiveness of mortal sins if it includes the firm resolution to have recourse to sacramental confession as soon as possible” (CCC 1452–1452). While the ordinary way to receive absolution is through sacramental confession, through an act of perfect contrition you can receive the forgiveness of your sins — even mortal sins — outside of the sacrament, provided you are firmly resolved to reform your life and intend to go to confession as soon as possible. The catechism describes contrition as “sorrow of the soul and detestation for the sin committed, together with the resolution not to sin again.” Perfect contrition goes beyond this and “arises f rom a love by which God is loved above all else.” Perfect contrition “obtains the forgiveness of mortal sins if it includes the firm resolution to have recourse to sacramental confession as soon as possible” (CCC 1452–1452). While the ordinary way to receive absolution is through sacramental confession, through an act of perfect contrition you can receive the forgiveness of your sins — even mortal sins — outside of the sacrament, provided you are firmly resolved to reform your life and intend to go to confession as soon as possible. The catechism describes contrition as “sorrow of the soul and detestation for the sin committed, together with the resolution not to sin again.” Perfect contrition goes beyond this and “arises from a love by which God is loved above all else.” Perfect contrition “obtains the forgiveness of mortal sins if it includes the firm resolution to have recourse to sacramental confession as soon as possible” (CCC 1452–1452). While the ordinary way to receive absolution is through sacramental confession, through an act of perfect contrition you can receive the forgiveness of your sins — even mortal sins — outside of the sacrament, provided you are firmly resolved to reform your life and intend to go to confession as soon as possible.