The Sacrament of Reconciliation
Experiencing God’s infinite mercy, finding forgiveness, and receiving spiritual healing and peace through the sacrament of confession.
Confession Times
Confessions are usually held on Thursdays from 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM and Saturdays from 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM. Please check the Parish Calendar to ensure there will be reconciliation on the date you want to attend.
The Four Steps of Reconciliation
1. Contrition
Feeling sincere sorrow for sins committed and having a firm resolution and conversion of heart to change our ways.
2. Confession
Sincerely disclosing our sins and human shortcomings to an ordained priest, who acts in the person of Christ.
3. Absolution
Receiving sacramental forgiveness through the words of the priest: "I absolve you from your sins, in the name of the Father..."
4. Penance / Satisfaction
Performing the action or prayers assigned by the priest to help repair the harm of sin and commit to a Christian life.
Sacramental Preparation
Preparation for the Sacraments of Reconciliation and First Communion is a two-year process that ordinarily takes place in 1st and 2nd Grade. The celebration of Reconciliation (Confession) always precedes the celebration of First Holy Communion.
Faith Formation
Children must be enrolled in the Faith Formation program to prepare for the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Please visit the Faith Formation page for registration details and required documentation.
Questions & Contact
For Sacramental Preparation (Children): Please contact Kara Antonio and Gustavo Rojo at faithformation@stjosephdoc.org
For General Inquiries: Call (828) 464-9207 or email office@stjosephdoc.org
The Wound of Sin & Divine Forgiveness
Sin hurts our relationship with God, ourselves, and others. Only ordained priests have the faculty to absolve sins through the authority that Christ entrusted to His Church. Through this sacrament, God wipes away our offenses and restores sanctifying grace.
"The sinner wounds God’s honor and love, his own human dignity… and the spiritual well-being of the Church, of which each Christian ought to be a living stone." (CCC 1487)
"Only priests who have received the faculty to absolve from the authority of the Church can forgive sins in the name of Christ." (CCC 1495)
Spiritual Effects of the Sacrament
- Reconciliation with God by which the penitent recovers grace
- Reconciliation with the Church and restoration of fellowship
- Remission of the eternal punishment incurred by mortal sins
- Peace, serenity of conscience, and deep spiritual consolation
- An increase of spiritual strength for the daily Christian battle