Sacrament of Reconciliation

Sin is a part of everyone's life. No one is without it. No matter how hard we try, sin creeps into our everyday lives. That is why we have this Sacrament of Reconciliation. Many would like to think that the Sacrament of Reconciliation or Confession is no longer practiced today, especially among young people. Nothing could be further from the truth! Over the past few years, many people have come to the chapel or to the Centre to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation with one of the priests. The forgiveness and peace of the Sacrament of Reconciliation is an assurance from God. The problem is often our refusal to forgive ourselves. If we have a hard time forgiving ourselves, it's hard to believe God will forgive us in this sacrament. We believe Jesus died to

save us; he will forgive us and free us. Our problem is allowing him to touch our sins and heal us.

To receive sacramental forgiveness, we must confess our sins and be absolved. The most difficult step is simply to begin. After that, all you need to do is be perfectly honest. If you are nervous, the easiest thing is to say, "Father, I am very nervous. It has been a long time. Can you help me?" If something has been on your mind for a long time, perhaps something that should have been mentioned in confession years ago, begin with that. If you have done something that is serious and seems unforgivable to you, mention it in confession and know it is forgiven. There is no sin that is unforgivable, and there is very little a priest has not already heard.

At the Newman Centre, there is a formal time for Confession every Friday afternoon from 1:00 - 2:00 P.M. in the Chapel. Confessions are also heard at any time in the Centre. If you wish to make an appointment with Fr. Patrick O'Dea, please call (416) 979-2468.