RECONCILIATION
"The tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to listen to him, but the Pharisees and scribes began to complain, saying, 'This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.' So to them he addressed this parable. 'What man among you having a hundred sheep and losing one of them would not leave the ninety-nine in the desert and go after the lost oned until he finds it? And when he does find it, he sets it on his shoulders with great joy and, upon his arrival home, he calls together his friends and neighbors and says to them, "Rejoice with me because I have found my lost sheep." I tell you, in just the same way there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous people who have no need of repentance'" (Luke 15:1-7).
So much of Jesus' ministry focused on letting people know that God loves them and forgives them. This ministry continues in the Church. In the Sacrament of Reconciliation (or "Confession"), we celebrate God's mercy and love as we encounter Jesus and hear his comforting words, "Go, your sins are forgiven."
The Sacrament can be celebrated any time you have access to a priest. At Our Lady of Hope and St. Luke Parishes, we offer regular times for Confession on Saturday afternoon; and you can always schedule an appointment to meet with a priest to celebrate the Sacrament at a time more convenient for you. On Saturdays, our Confession schedule is:
Our Lady of Hope: 3:00PM - 3:30PM
St. Luke: 4:30PM - 5:00PM
Whether it has been a month, a year, or decades since you have celebrated this Sacrament, know that God is always right there, waiting for us to return to His loving embrace.