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| Reconciliation (Confession, Penance) The Sacrament of Reconciliation is a celebration of God’s mercy and forgiveness. This is one of the ways that Catholics renew their Baptism and seek to follow the way of the Gospel. The celebration consists of a proclamation of God’s mercy, followed by prayers of sorrow and contrition, confession of sin (the absence of God), the declaration of absolution (forgiveness), an act of penance (conversion or change) and thanksgiving. Reconciliation services are scheduled during both the seasons of Advent and Lent and are bilingual in nature with priest confessors to hear confessions in Portuguese, English and Spanish. In addition we welcome any and all who would like to celebrate the sacrament by calling the rectory for an appointment. Priests are normally available before and after Mass. This celebration is the ordinary way one who has been estranged from the church and the celebration of the sacraments returns to the life of the church. First Reconciliation |