The Catholic Church believes the Sacrament of Reconciliation is a graced opportunity for us to celebrate God’s forgiveness. The Sacrament calls us to a true sorrow for the sins we have committed, along with an intention to repair our lives and our relationships with God and our community. All Catholics are invited to attend, regardless of how long it has been since their last participation in the Sacrament.
The Diocese of Rochester has created a special website at http://forgiven.dor.org/to explain the Sacrament and offer “how to’s.”
To prepare for the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation we need to understand the two main types of sins and their impact on our lives and our relationship with God:
Our priests are available to hear confessions at the times by appointment, or times listed below:
St. Michael’s – Saturday 4-4:30pm
St. Januarius – Saturday 4-4:30pm
Children are prepared for Reconciliation beginning in 2nd grade or higher. Classes are usually held in the Fall and their parent(s) are invited to attend the classes with them. This sacrament precedes Holy Eucharist. All children wishing to receive Sacraments must be enrolled and actively participating in the OLOL religious education program or attending a Catholic school. For more information on First Reconciliation, check out these brochures from our diocese.
- “A Guide for Parents, First Penance Preparation”
- First Reconciliation Frequently Asked Questions
- Registration for RECONCILIATION
“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.” (CCC 1422)