“The Lord never tires of forgiving. It is we who tire of asking for forgiveness.”
Pope Francis
“Those who approach the sacrament of Penance obtain pardon from God’s mercy for the offense committed against him, and are, at the same time, reconciled with the Church which they have wounded by their sins and which by charity, by example, and by prayer labors for their conversion.” (CCC 1422)
The spiritual effects of the sacrament of Penance are:
- Reconciliation with God by which the penitent recovers grace
- Reconciliation with the Church
- Remission of the eternal punishment incurred by mortal sins
- Remission, at least in part, of temporal punishments resulting from sin
- Peace and serenity of conscience, and spiritual consolation
- An increase of spiritual strength for the Christian battle
The Sacrament of Reconciliation is available on Saturdays in the Chapel from 4:00 – 4:30 pm.
Penance Services
Pax Christi holds two penance services annually, one during Advent and the other during Lent. The Penance service begins with the Liturgy of the Word, after which individuals are invited to confess their sins individually to a confessor. Pax Christi usually has five Priests available for you. If it has been awhile, or you need a refresher on approaching confession, that is ok. Come as you are. You may leave feeling freer.
My God,
I am sorry for my sins with all my heart. In choosing to do wrong and failing to do good, I have sinned against you whom I should love above all things.
I firmly intend, with your help, to do penance, to sin no more, and to avoid whatever leads me to sin. Our Savior Jesus Christ suffered and died for us.
In his name, my God, have mercy.
(from the Rite of Penance)
https://www.usccb.org/prayer-and-worship/sacraments-and-sacramentals/penance
First Reconciliation for Children
Children who are in the second grade are prepared for their First Reconciliation in our FaithWalk program which meets weekly in the Parish Hall from 9:45am to 10:45am between the Sunday Masses. The children are invited to make their First Reconciliation during the Advent Penance Service. It is highly encouraged that all children begin our FaithWalk program as early as pre-school. To be fully prepared for the First Reconciliation year (second grade), it is strongly recommended they register and participate in FaithWalk during their first grade year.
Contact Mark Davila, paxcre@cdlex.org our Children’s FaithWalk Coordinator, with questions or for additional information.
RCIA – Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (Becoming Catholic)
Adults who have been baptized as a Catholic but have not completed their Sacraments of Initiation are assisted in learning about the faith on a personal basis. Please contact the office at 859-273-9999 to make an appointment with Deacon John Brannen, the Pastoral Associate. These adults will be expected to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation prior to the reception of Confirmation and First Eucharist.
Adults who have been baptized in another Christian tradition are prepared as candidates in RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation) and are expected to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation prior to the reception of Confirmation and First Eucharist.
If you are interested in learning more about RCIA, or becoming Catholic, contact Harley Sinclair. Harley is the Ministry Lead for RCIA, and along with her team, they are eager to meet with indivduals who are discerning, seeking, and inquiring about the Catholic faith.