Reconciliation
“On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, Jesus showed himself to his apostles. He breathed on them, and said to them: ‘Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.” John 20:19, 22-23
Our regular time of Reconciliation on Saturdays, before Mass, between 5:30 and 5:50 PM or by arrangement.
Reconciliation, also known as Confession, is one of the most beautiful and profound sacraments of the Church, enabling us to touch God’s mercy in the situation we find ourselves, in a very real way. The priests at St John’s are always happy to welcome anyone who would like to celebrate the sacrament of Reconciliation.
We also make available more opportunities for confession during the penitential seasons of Lent and Advent. Watch this space for the next communal liturgy of Reconciliation, with multiple priests during Lent.
You’re always welcome to contact one of the priests or the office (islington@rcdow.org.uk) to book a time in advance. You’re also very welcome to ‘catch’ any of the priests after Mass or otherwise, and they will usually be quite happy to accommodate requests for Confession, depending on circumstances.
I’ve not confessed in a long time – how do I prepare?
It’s wonderful that you want to return to the sacrament of Reconciliation. There is nothing to fear. Here are a few videos that might help you prepare for this sacrament. By all means, you’re welcome to just approach the priest and say you would like to confess but do not know what to do.
How to make a confession
- Go to the priest and begin by saying, “Bless me Father for I have sinned. My last confession was ___________ (say approximately when)”.
- Tell the priest about the things you feel sorry for or things you know you have done wrong.
- Finish by saying “For these and other sins I have forgotten, I am sorry”.
- The priest will tell you to do something special; to make up for the wrong things you have done. This is called Penance. He might tell you to do an act of kindness or to say a prayer.
- The priest will tell you to say “I am sorry to God” by saying an Act of Contrition. You say: “Oh my God, because you are so good, I am very sorry that I have sinned against you and with the help of your grace, I will try not to sin again. Amen.”
- The priest will tell you that God our Father forgives us when we are sorry and will say a special prayer which is when your sins will be forgiven. This is called absolution.
- You have now made your Confession! The priest will tell you that your sins are forgiven and that you have been reconciled with God.