SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” – 1 John 1:9

At Our Lady of Africa Catholic Church Mbuya Parish, we warmly invite you to experience the profound grace and healing of the Sacrament of Reconciliation, also known as Confession. This sacrament is a sacred opportunity to seek God’s mercy, receive forgiveness, and renew your relationship with Him.

Understanding the Sacrament of Reconciliation

The Sacrament of Reconciliation is one of the seven sacraments instituted by Christ. It is a sacrament of healing through which we obtain God’s pardon for sins committed after Baptism, and it reconciles us with the Church.

Key Elements of the Sacrament:

• Contrition: Sincere sorrow for having sinned and a firm resolution to sin no more.
• Confession: The act of confessing sins to a priest.
• Absolution: The priest, through the power given by Christ, absolves the penitent of their sins.
• Penance: Acts of prayer, fasting, or charity given by the priest to help the penitent in their spiritual growth.

The Importance of Reconciliation

• Confession is more than a simple admission of wrongdoings; it is a transformative encounter with God’s boundless mercy. Through this sacrament, we receive:
• Forgiveness of Sins: Restoring our state of grace and renewing our relationship with God.
• Peace and Comfort: Alleviating the burden of guilt and offering spiritual peace.
• Spiritual Guidance: Receiving counsel and encouragement to lead a more faithful Christian life.
• Strength to Resist Sin: Gaining grace to help us overcome future temptations.

How to Prepare for Confession

• Preparation is essential for a meaningful confession. Here are steps to help you prepare:
• Examine Your Conscience: Reflect on your actions, thoughts, and omissions since your last confession. Consider using an examination of conscience guide based on the Ten Commandments or Beatitudes.
• Express Sincere Contrition: Feel genuine sorrow for your sins and resolve to avoid them in the future.
• Confess All Mortal Sins: Honestly confess all mortal sins in kind and number. You may also confess venial sins to receive additional grace.

Our Confession Schedule

We offer regular opportunities for the Sacrament of Reconciliation:

• Every day after the 7.00am Morning Mass
• Every Thursdays after adoration
• By Appointment: Please request for confession from any Priest you find at the Parish or contact the parish office to schedule a convenient time.

Steps of the Sacrament

• Greeting: Begin with the Sign of the Cross and a greeting from the priest.
• Confession: Confess your sins to the priest.
• Counsel: Receive guidance and penance from the priest.
• Act of Contrition: Express sorrow for your sins with a prayer of contrition.
• Absolution: Receive absolution as the priest prays the prayer of forgiveness.
• Penance: Fulfill the penance given by the priest.

Our Lady of Africa Catholic Church Mbuya Parish, we are committed to helping you experience the profound mercy and love of God through the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Come and renew your spirit, finding peace and grace in God’s forgiveness.

For more information or to schedule an appointment for the Sacrament of Reconciliation, please contact us here