"Baptism does snatch us from the power of sin and death, and brings us into the new life of the children of God, but it does not free us from human weakness and the inclination to sin. That is why we need a place where we can be reconciled with God again and again. Reconciliation truly renews the soul, completely unburdens it, leaving it without the debts of the past, accepted in love, and equipped with new strength. God is merciful, and he desires nothing more earnestly than for us too, to lay claim to his mercy. Someone who has gone to confession turns a clean, new page in the book of his life." - YOUCAT #226
Confessions are available 20 minutes before the start of evening Mass on Friday, evening Mass on Saturday and each Sunday Mass.
Phase 3 update: The Sacrament of Reconciliation will not be available before Masses. You can email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 64660625 (Pauline/Suzie) to book an appointment for confession.
Guide to making a good confession
It is very important that we examine our conscience daily. With total humility, we should open ourselves to be corrected by those close to us. "If we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged" (1 Cor 11: 31).
This examination should be done in the presence of God, listening to His voice within us. This will be the best way to prepare for confession. Following you will find some very helpful practices:
- Go to a quiet place, preferably before Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. Only God can show us our hearts, how we have responded to His love and give us the grace to change.
- Contemplate the life of Jesus and His love manifested upon the Cross. "They shall look on Him whom they pierced" Jn 19:37.
- Ask Yourself: "How have I responded to so much love, to so many graces?"
- Keep in mind that your examination is not just about numbering sins but about discovering the twisted attitudes of the heart and of being able to feel sorrow for your sins, which includes a firm proposal to not commit them again. Keep in mind that there are always areas in which we are weaker and require special attention.
The Examination of Conscience
It will be helpful for you to determine the areas in which you need to ask for God's forgiveness. A review of the Ten Commandments (God's written desire for the way in which we are to love Him and others) is suggested.
An essential part of the Sacrament of Confession is an Act of Contrition
"Oh my God, I am heartily sorry for having offended you and I detest all my sins because of your just punishment, but most of all because they offend you, my God who are all good and deserving of all my love. I firmly resolve with the help of your grace, to confess my sins, to do penance and to avoid the occasions of sin."
May your confession be the true source of grace, which God has intended it to be for you. For this to be possible, it is necessary for you to be open to this grace and for you to make the necessary changes in your life as prompted by the Holy Spirit.