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The Catholic Community of the Good Shepherd

The Church of the Holy Family - St. Columba Catholic Church

Reconciliation

The Sacrament of Reconciliation (also known as the Sacrament of Penance, Confession, or Penance and Reconciliation) has three elements: conversion, confession and celebration. In it we find God's unconditional forgiveness, and as a result we are called to forgive others.

Before Reconciliation:

Sit quietly and examine your conscience. Are you truly sorry for your sins? Remember, God loves you. He is always ready to forgive you no matter what.

What to do in the Reconciliation Room:

Make the Sign of the Cross. Say: "Bless me Father for I have sinned." Say how long it has been since your last confession.

Tell Jesus your sins by telling them to the priest. The priest will talk to you and give you a penance.

Say your Act of Contrition:

"My God, I am sorry for my sins with all my heart. In choosing to do wrong and failing to do good, I have sinned against You whom I should love above all thing . I firmly intend, with Your help, to do penance, to sin no more, and to avoid whatever leads me to sin. Amen"

Jesus gives you absolution through the priest. Absolution means that your sins are forgiven and your soul is washed clean.

How Reconciliation Makes You Feel:

Leave the Reconciliation Room feeling happier and full of the grace God has given you to make loving choices. Using the example our heavenly Father gives us, remember this feeling and forgive other for their transgressions.

As in Luke 15:31-32: The father said to the older son who became angry when his wayward brother, the Prodigal Son, returned and was greeted by a joyful and forgiving father, 'My son, you are here with me always; everything I have is yours. But now we must celebrate and rejoice, because your brother was dead and has come to life again; he was lost and has been found.'

When you leave the Reconciliation Room, your soul is washed clean of all sins and a great weight has been lifted from you. God, our Father, has embraced you and welcomed you home. You were lost, now you're found.

St. Columba's Information

Saint Columba Catholic Church 
328 Route 66, Columbia, CT 06237
(860) 228-3727

Mailing Address (STC)
PO Box 146
Columbia, CT 06237

Holy Family's Information

Church of the Holy Family
185 Church Street Hebron, CT 06231
(860) 228-0096

Mailing Address (CHF)
PO Box 146
Hebron, CT 06248