Reconciliation (Confession) is a Sacrament (a visible sign instituted by Christ to give us grace)

This sacrament is one in which the priest—as the representative of Jesus—forgives sins committed after baptism. For the sacrament to be valid, the sinner is sorry and sincerely confesses his sins with a willingness to make satisfaction for them. Jesus gave us this sacrament when he appeared to his disciples after his resurrection.

Jesus came and stood in their midst and said to them, “Peace be with you!” And when he had said this he showed them his hands and his side. The disciples therefor rejoiced at the sight of the Lord. He therefore said to them again, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I also send you.” When he had said this, he breathed upon them, and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit; whose sins you shall forgive, they are forgiven them; and whose sins you shall retain, they are retained.”  John 20:19-23

Sacrament of ReconciliationFirst Reconciliation

The Archdiocese of Baltimore requires that a student be in a structured Catholic Religious Education program for one year before beginning Sacrament preparation. First Reconciliation can be celebrated as early as Second Grade. For more information on having your child receive their First Reconciliation at St. Jane’s, please see our Sacrament Prep page.

Reconciliation

Reconciliation is offered each week on Saturday afternoons from 3:30–4:30 pm and Thursdays 7:45–8:15 am. You can also call the church office to schedule an appointment with a priest. 410-255-4646

Examination of Conscience (Preparing for Confession)

Before celebrating the Sacrament of Penance, one should prepare themselves with an examination of conscience—a “prayerful self-reflection on our words and deeds in the light of the Gospel to determine how we may have sinned against God.” (— Glossary, The Catechism of the Catholic Church).

Below are a few examples of Examinations of Conscience that can help you prepare for the Sacrament.

Biblical references for Reconciliation