Christ the King Parish - Reconciliation

The Sacrament of Reconciliation

Of the Sacraments of Healing (Reconciliation and Anointing of the Sick), Reconciliation has been the unfortunate source of much grief and anxiety. Even those most faith filled of people often meet this wonderful healing encounter with Christ with fear and trepidation.

" 'The whole power of the Sacrament of Penance consists in restoring us to God's grace and joining with him in an intimate friendship...(it) is usually followed by peace and serenity of conscience with strong physical consolation.' Indeed the Sacrament of Reconciliation brings about a true 'spiritual resurrection', restoration of the dignity and blessings of the life of the children of God..."
-No. 1468 'The Catechism of the Catholic Church'

It is this restoration of ourselves to God's grace that we celebrate within the Sacrament of Penance where we are invited to rejoice with the Father that "...this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and now he is found!" (Luke 15:24).

Reconciliation at Christ the King is done in two accepted forms; 1) Private Confession, and 2) Public celebration of penance followed by private confession. These are known in the Church as 'Form 1' and 'Form 2' respectively.

"People are beginning to neglect the practice of confession just when, for the first time, we are learning from the experience of the therapeutic community that, for some things, there is no help, and there can be no help, outside of a searingly honest and detailed telling of our sins, addictions, fantasies, and foibles to another human being." - "Our Need for Confession" Fr. Ron Rolheiser OMI

Form 1 or private confession is the form most encouraged for individuals wishing to receive this sacrament, and it is the form Catholics and the secular world alike are most familiar with. We no longer use the traditional 'Confessionals' as you might still see on television or in the movies. Rather, a face-to-face visit, much like you would engage in at the docotr's office or with a counselor, is encouraged. Still, the privacy screen remains in place in one of our reconciliation rooms for those who are 'a little shy' about this sacrament.

In addition, we recognize a deep benefit to gathering together as a community to acknowledge our collective need for God's mercy and love and to celebrate as a family of faith. These 'Form 2' celebrations include; Readings from God's Word, time to reflect on how we may have fallen short of God's love, and collectively ofering our apologies to God followed by an opportunity for private confession with several priests afterward.

Reconciliation Times:
Father Tonny is always available for individual confessions on following dates and times;

Monday to Friday 8:00 AM - 8:30 AM & Saturdays 4:00 PM - 4:30 PM

In addition, you may also call the parish office to arrange to celebrate this sacrament at a time that is more convenient to you.

During the Seasons of Advent and Lent we will also gather as a parish community to celebrate a Form 2 'Penitential Service' as mentioned above. The dates and times for these services, which are followed by an opportunity for Individual Confession will be announced in the bulletin and can be found on the monthly calendar closer to December and February or March.

If you have any questions or concerns about the celebration of this sacrament, please do not hesitate to contact the parish office.