Reconcillation

Reconciliation, which is also known as Confession, is the healing and reconciling action of the Holy Spirit.  Through this sacrament, we are renewed and recommitted to being open to the action of the Spirit in our lives in helping us to become more fully human and so be effective in reflecting Christ and His words of life and love to others.  In this way we strengthen Christ’s Body on earth, His community, which in turn can continue the healing, saving, loving work of Jesus Christ.  (cf Luke 7:39-48)

When we celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation, we shouldn’t concentrate too greatly on what we say to the priest.  The Church reminds us that “the most important act of the penitent is contrition which is heartfelt sorrow along with the intention of sinning no more”.  In other words, “sorrow” in our heart is far more important than the way we express our sorrow.  Nothing brings home to us more forcefully the damage done to ourselves and others by sin than our reflection on Christ’s own all-embracing, generous love in this Sacrament.

Holy Cross Parish runs Sacramental Programme lessons once a year.  This programme covers a study of First Reconciliation, Confirmation and First Holy Communion for children aged between 7 ½ and 15 years old who have been baptised Catholic.

The lessons are held on Sunday mornings at Holy Cross Catholic School.  This programme is run by the Parish not the School, so keep an eye on the Parish newsletter as to when the next programme begins.

Parents are encouraged to attend each lesson with their child to help the children understand the lessons and help them with their homework sheets.