Penance

Holy Redeemer Parish
P.O. Box 1108 A2H 6T2

Last Updated:
03/07/2006

Sacraments - Penance and Reconciliation

What is this Sacrament Called?

It is called the sacrament of conversion because it makes sacramentally present Jesus' call to conversion, the first step in returning to the Father from whom one has strayed by sin. It is called the sacrament of Penance, since it consecrates the Christian sinner's steps of conversion, penance and satisfaction.

It is called the sacrament of confession, since the disclosure or confession of sins to a priest is an essential element of this sacrament. In a profound sense it is also a "confession" - acknowledgement and praise - of the holiness of God and of his mercy toward sinners.

It is called the sacrament of forgiveness, since by the priest's sacramental absolution God Grants the penitent "pardon and peace".

It is called the sacrament of Reconciliation, because it imparts to the sinner the love of God who reconciles: " Be reconciled to God". The one who lives by God's merciful love is ready to respond to the Lord's call: "Go; first be reconciled to your brothers or sister."

Usually the Sacrament of Penance is received for the first time when a person is around eight years old. If for one reason or another a person did not receive the sacrament at that age, parents are still encouraged to get in touch with our catechetics director to discuss what arrangements can be made to enable that person to celebrate the sacrament.

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