Christ instituted the Sacrament of Penance for all sinful members of His Church: above all for those who, since Baptism, have fallen into grave sin, and have thus lost their baptismal grace and wounded ecclesial communion. It is to them that the Sacrament of Penance offers a new possibility to convert and to recover the grace of justification. The Fathers of the Church present this Sacrament as “the second plank of salvation after the shipwreck which is the loss of grace.” [Catechism of the Catholic Church 1994 Reference: 1446]

Children are generally prepared to receive The Sacrament of Reconciliation for the first time when they reach the age of reason after age 7. They are prepared through instructional catechesis and must already be attending religious education classes or attending Catholic grade school. Older children may be prepared separately depending on their individual needs. Adult preparation for the Sacrament of Reconciliation is by instructional catechesis according to a process designed specifically for their needs, within the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) program. For further information, please contact the Parish Office at (410) 956-2883.

The Sacrament of Reconciliation for adults is offered on Saturdays from 4:30 – 5:00pm. Parish penance services are held during Advent and Lent and are announced in the Parish bulletin. Individuals may also call the Parish office at (410) 956-2883 to arrange for a personal appointment with Fr. Joe Cosgrove to celebrate the Sacrament.