Reconciliation (also known as the Sacrament of Penance/Confession) is one of the least understood of the Sacraments of the Catholic Church. In reconciling us to God, it is a great source of grace, and Catholics are encouraged to take advantage of it often.  When we sin, we deprive ourselves of God’s grace. And by doing so, we make it even easier to sin some more. The only way out of this downward cycle is to acknowledge our sins, to repent of them, and to ask God’s forgiveness. Then, in the Sacrament of Confession, grace can be restored to our souls, and we can once again resist sin.
Three things are required of a penitent in order to receive the sacrament worthily: 

1. One must be contrite—or, in other words, sorry for their sins.
2. One must confess those sins fully, in kind and in number.
3. One must be willing to do penance and make amends for their sins.

          While Catholics are only required to go to Confession when they are aware that they have committed a mortal sin, the Church urges the faithful to take advantage of the sacrament often. A good rule of thumb is to go once per month. The Church especially urges the faithful to receive the Sacrament of Confession frequently during Lent, to help them in their spiritual preparation for Easter.
          Non-Catholics, and even many Catholics, often ask whether they can confess their sins directly to God, and whether God can forgive them without going through a priest. On the most basic level, of course, the answer is yes, and Catholics should make frequent acts of contrition, which are prayers in which we tell God that we are sorry for our sins and ask for His forgiveness.
          But the question misses the point of the Sacrament of Confession. The sacrament, by its very nature, confers graces that help us to live a Christian life, which is why the Church requires us to receive it at least once per year. Moreover, it was instituted by Christ as the proper form for the forgiveness of our sins. Therefore, we should not only be willing to receive the sacrament, but we should embrace it as a gift from a loving God.
          Here, at St. Lawrence O'Toole, Communal Reconciliation is celebrated twice a year during the Seasons of Lent and Advent, dates are announced in the Parish Bulletin.  Weekly reception of Reconciliation is available on Saturdays at 4:00 PM, prior to Parish 5:00 Mass.  For special arrangements, please contact the Parish Office at (708) 748-6090.

First Reconciliation

          As mandated by the Archdiocese of Chicago, children preparing for the Sacrament of Eucharist must first be given instruction and opportunity for the Sacrament of Reconciliation.  Therefore, all students anticipating reception of First Eucharist will participate in a Communal Reconciliation Service as part of their preparation.  Reception of First Reconciliation takes place in early December during Advent.  Priests will be available at that time to administer the Sacrament of Reconciliation.  Greater emphasis and more detailed instruction for Reconciliation is an integral part of the curriculum in all higher grades.
          All students in Grades 2-8 are given the opportunity to attend Reconciliation services twice during the year's program, once in the Fall and again during the Lenten season.  Sacramental absolution is available at those times for students wishing to receive the Sacrament.
          For more information about the program, please contact Religious Education Office at (708) 748-6090 x114 or religiouseducation@slotoole.org