​

Q. What is the Sacrament of Penance?

A. Penance is a Sacrament in which the sins committed after Baptism are forgiven. 

​

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. 2

​

Children

Children in preparation for first Holy Communion will do the sacrament of penance before they receive. Classes begin in October and end in May. To sign up download the form and return it to the Faith Formation offices.

Adults

Adults must attend the Rite of Christian Initiation classes starting in mid- September and ending at Easter. After attending classes and having sufficient reflection on entering the Catholic Church, baptized adults before receiving first Holy Communion will go to confession. If you have an irregular situation, such as a schismatic group, please call the Cathedral to talk to a clergy member about how to come into full communion.

​

1 Baltimore Catechism, 721

2 Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1422