Sacraments

Confession

st_georges_church_icon

Confession

We all of us fail at times. We let ourselves down, we let our friends and family down. We abandon or turn away from God. In Church terms a lot of these failures can be called “Sin”. Sin interrupts our walk with God and our neighbour. Jesus came to free us from Sin and entrusted the ministering of His Mercy to the Church. The primary way of celebrating and receiving His Mercy is in the Sacrament of Confession. The Sacrament is one of JOY LOVE AND PEACE. We often stress about it, but it is the best way to resolve all of our worries and lack of self-esteem – we are reminded of how much God loves us.

The Priest, in the Confessional, acts as Christ Himself. Confidentiality is supreme – we cannot reveal anything regarding sin that we learn in the Confessional. Priests are generally unshockable, most things we have heard before and we are trained to help. And once a sin is confessed and forgiven it never needs to be confessed again – unless it is repeated.

How often should you go? The bare minimum required by the Church is once a year. Most people would probably benefit from going more often! I like to think of it as a way to ensure that your journey on the Sea of Faith is a smooth one, making as much progress as you can. The priest can help you discern how often you should come.

First Confessions take place as part of our First Holy Communion Sacramental programme.

Confessions in the parish are normally every Saturday after Morning Mass until about 10.55. During Lent and Easter and Advent and Christmas time, Confessions are also scheduled before Sunday Masses until 5 minutes before Mass begins. Confessions are also available when requested if the priest is available.

st_georges_church_icon