Penance is the sacrament by which we receive God’s healing forgiveness for sins committed after baptism. The rite is called reconciliation because it reconciles us not only with God but with the church community. Both these aspects of reconciliation are important.
As members of Christ’s Body, everything we do affects the whole Body. Sin wounds and weakens the Body of Christ; the healing we receive in penance restores health and strength to the Church, as well as to ourselves.
Since every sin is an offense against God, which disrupts our friendship with him, the ultimate purpose of penance is that we should love God deeply and commit ourselves completely to him. Therefore, the sinner who by the grace of a merciful God embraces the way of penance comes back to the Father who “first loved us” (1 John 4:19), to Christ who gave himself up for us, and to the Holy Spirit who has been poured out on us abundantly.
The follower of Christ who has sinned but who has been moved by the Holy Spirit to come to the sacrament of penance should above all be converted to God with their whole heart. This inner conversion of heart embraces sorrow for sin and the intent to lead a new life.
When a person turns aside or away from God’s love, the harm is to the sinner. Venial sin strains one’s relationship with God. Mortal sin ruptures the relationship. Sin is a tragic reality. But the sacrament of penance is a joyful reunion.
First Penance Preparation
Sacramental preparation is not only for those who will be preparing to celebrate the sacrament for the first time but for all parishioners to take advantage of the opportunity for spiritual renewal and formation.
For children and teens who are preparing to receive the sacraments of Reconciliation, they must participate in our Faith Formation program for a full school year before they can enroll in Sacramental Preparation. Children and teens must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Is My Child Ready for Sacramental Preparation for 1st Reconciliation or 1st Communion[1]
For questions, please contact Nancy Watson at faithformation@avaloncatholic.org or 407-381-0967.
Para preguntas en español: Edith Heinsen at evangelization@avaloncatholic.org or at 407-926-0915.