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01275 833699
bristol.calledtomore@cliftondiocese.com
Come back to me, with all your heart (Hosea 14:1-3)
Confession, known as the Sacrament of Reconciliation, is one of the most unique and beautiful aspects of Catholicism. Jesus Christ, in His abundant love and mercy, established the Sacrament, so that we as sinners can obtain forgiveness for our sins and reconcile with God and the Church. The sacrament “washes us clean,” and renews us in Christ.
“Jesus said to them again, ‘Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I send you.’ And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and said to them, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained’” (John 20:21-23).
Confession is available as advertised in the newsletter or with Fr Matt or Fr Michael by appointment. At other times, we hold Reconciliation Services in the lead up to Christmas and Easter.
If you are unsure what to do or prayers to say, just let the priest know and they will guide you. You won't be the first, so do not be afraid or embarrassed.
For Catholics the main focus is the mercy and forgiveness of God. No one finds going to Confession easy. To tell someone our deepest secrets, our faults, what we have done, and what we have failed to do can be really hard. But we say all these things trusting in the total forgiveness of God for us.
The Sacrament of Confession is among the most beautiful things we can do. It is a meeting with Christ who showers us with his love and grace, unburdening us and allowing us to move forward in hope.