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Reconciliation:

“Confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The fervent prayer of a righteous person is very powerful.” James 5:16

The new life in Christ that begins in Baptism may be weakened or lost through sin. Sin ruptures not only our relationship with God, but also with our brothers and sisters. Conversion of heart is the beginning of our journey back to God. Liturgically this happens in the Sacrament of Penance. In the history of the Church, this Sacrament has been celebrated in different ways. Beneath the changes, there have always been two essentials: the acts of the penitent and the acts of Christ through the ministry of the Church. Both go hand in hand. Conversion must involve a change of heart as well as a change of actions. Neither is possible without God’s grace.

For children, six and under, First Reconciliation is coupled with First Communion. Children in the 2nd Grade attending Catholic Schools and those enrolled in our Parish Religious Education program are being prepared for the Sacraments of First Reconciliation and for First Communion. Diocesan norms require that preparing for First Reconciliation and First Communion be a two year process. Children who are not attending Catholic schools should be attending Parish Religious Education classes for two years prior to First Communion.

The Sacrament of Reconciliation is celebrated every Thursday evening 6-8p.m., Saturday afternoon from 2-3 p.m., and by appointment with Father at 901-382-2504. In addition, the parish offers Penance Services in the seasons of Advent and Lent.