Reconciliation

Reconciliation, also known as Confession, is the sacrament in which our souls are cleansed of sin. We show contrition by expressing our sorrow in a meaningful way. We receive the forgiveness of Christ and His Church through absolution. We make reparation for what we have done and resolve to do better in the future through penance.

By expressing our sorrow for our sins and our clear intent to refrain from committing these sins in the future, we are given new life in Christ and the grace to live better.

As the minister of Reconciliation, the priest stands in the place of Christ and can thus offer us Christ's forgiveness and grace through the words of absolution.

Children enrolled in our Religious Education program will typically receive their First Reconciliation during their second year of enrollment, but not before second grade. For more information about our Religious Education program, visit our Religious Education K-5 page.

Adults seeking the sacrament of First Reconciliation should be enrolled in our RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation) program. Visit our RCIA page for more information.

The Act of Contrition is typically used during the Sacrament of Reconciliation. There are many versions of this prayer, feel free to use the one you are most familiar with.

The Act of Contrition

Oh my God, I am heartily sorry for having offended You.

And I detest all my sins, because of Your just punishment.

But most of all, because they offend You my God, who are all good and deserving of all my love.

I firmly resolve, with the help of Thy grace,

to sin no more and to avoid the near occasion of sin.

Amen.

Reconciliation at St. Gabriel

Reconciliation is available every Saturday from 3:45 - 4:45pm in our RCIA room at the back of the Church.

Special Reconciliation services are scheduled during the Advent and Lent seasons and are announced at these times.