“If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.” (Jn. 20:23)

Sometimes the sacrament of Reconciliation (also called Penance or Confession) is referred to as second baptism.  In Baptism a person is washed clean of original sin and claimed as a child of God but Baptism does not free a person from the effects of original sin which are spiritual and moral weakness and the inclination to sin.

In the sacrament of Reconciliation, Jesus Christ gave the Church the authority to forgive sins in his name.  It is not the Church nor the priest who forgives the sin, rather it is Christ working through the Church and the priest.  The sacrament of Reconciliation is a healing sacrament that gives comfort and forgiveness to the Christian as he or she makes the pilgrimage of faith.  Like the prodigal son, we also can turn back to the father and receive his forgiveness.  A person has to be Catholic in order to celebrate the sacrament of Reconciliation.  The sacrament of Reconciliation is offered at certain times during the week and also always available by appointment.