The Sacrament of Reconciliation

After his Resurrection, Jesus established the Sacrament of Reconciliation (also known as Penance) for his followers. He realized that even after Baptism, we would need to deal with the reality of sin. Out of his great love, Jesus instituted this sacrament through which a sinner who is sorry receives pardon and peace and is restored to the fullness of grace with God.

The Sacrament of Reconciliation consists of three elements: conversion, confession and celebration (in that order). In Reconciliation, we find God's unconditional forgiveness, and as a result we are called to forgive others.

In the Sacrament of Reconciliation, Jesus provides us with a way of being reconciled to God and to those we've hurt, and to be strengthened in our connection to God's entire family. This is more than symbolic; it is spiritual reality expressed through ritual.

The Sacrament of Reconciliation is not easy, as we are forced to confront and admit wrongdoing when it would be easier put the blame someone or something else. We can even try to make ourselves believe God doesn't know about our wrongdoing. But in the end, it is Reconciliation that set us free of our sins and makes us feel good, knowing that God loves us more when we're doing good.

Reconciliation at St. Joseph

The Sacrament of Reconciliation is offered each Saturday at 4:00 p.m. in Bucyrus and on Tuesdays at 6:00 p.m. in Galion.

First Reconciliation is normally celebrated by the second grade class at St. Joseph Parish School. Students attending public school may prepare for the Sacrament of Reconciliation in the Religious Education classes. The celebration of First Reconciliation takes place during an evening in December, while other St. Joseph school students celebrate the sacrament during school hours.