Our Lady and St Brigid Northfield

Confession

The sacrament of confession, also known as the sacrament of reconciliation or penance, is a sacrament in which a person confesses their sins to a priest. The priest then pronounces absolution (forgives the sins in the Name of the Lord) and offers guidance on how to overcome them in the future.

 The benefits of confession are that sins committed after baptism can be forgiven, that a person's relationship with God can be strengthened, can help a person avoid sin in the future, and enables one to live in the fullness of Baptismal dignity and child of God.

 This sacrament was instituted by Jesus Christ when he said;  “Whoever's sins you forgive, they are forgiven them. Whoever's sins you retain, they have been retained” John 20:23. In his love and mercy Jesus offers sinners forgiveness for offenses against God, the Angels and Saints, against their sisters and brothers and against themselves . Confession is one of the sacraments of healing and brings reconciliation between God and the penitent, between the penitent and others, and to the individual penitent. Confession is offered twice a week see Bulletin or Mass times, or upon appointment. 

If you have never made your confession, or it has been a long time since last you did, do not fret - simply tell the priest, and indicate whether you need help in proceeding. Remember, the priest you are seeing, also makes his confession - he knows what you are experiencing. 

Please find below a link to a Rite of Penance for guidance, a copy of which can also be found in the confessional.

Rite of Penance