Reconciliation
The Sacrament of Reconciliation (the Sacrament of Penance or Confession) is an invitation for Catholics to experience the love and mercy of God the Father through the ministry of priests. Catholics can experience healing through forgiveness of sins and reconciliation with God and His Church.
Catholics are always welcomed back to receive this sacrament - whether it has been two weeks or two decades since the last Confession. Often those who have gone to Confession relay experiencing peace and joy and feeling the weight come off their shoulders as they receive forgiveness for their sins. If you have not gone to Confession in a while, we want to welcome you back and take part in this beautiful sacrament of healing.
Children are generally prepared to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation for the first time when they reach the second grade, following Baptism and prior to Eucharist. They are prepared through a special program and must already be attending religious education classes or attending Catholic grade school. Older children may be prepared separately from the second graders. For further information, please contact the Religious Education Office at (410) 744-6560, ext. 234.
Adults who wish to be initiated into the Sacrament of Reconciliation should contact the Religious Education office at (410) 744-6560, ext. 234.
The Sacrament of Reconciliation is offered on Saturdays from 3:00 – 3:45 p.m. It is recommended that penitents arrive at the beginning of the time periods to ensure adequate opportunity to receive the sacrament. Parish penance services are held during Advent and Lent and are announced in the St. Mark Church bulletin. Individuals may also call the parish office at (410) 744-6560, ext. 1 to arrange for a personal appointment with a priest to celebrate the sacrament.
The Healing of the Sacrament of Reconciliation
“Bless me Father for I have. . . . ” Perhaps one of the hardest things we do is admit to our own wrongdoing. It’s hard to say that we have sinned—and be willing to turn our life around to avoid...Struggling to Confess
Okay, so I’m slowly, painstakingly working on the NFP book — there’s a bunch of personal stuff going on, and also I sprained my ankle and now everything is taking about twice as much energy as...Confession times at St. Mark Parish
SATURDAY (Church):
Confessions: 3:00 – 3:45 p.m.* [excluding Holy Saturday] or by appointment.
*Please bear in mind that the priest has to stop hearing confessions at 3:45 p.m. so he can prepare for the celebration of the Eucharist. Communal Penance is scheduled during the seasons of Advent and Lent and for special liturgies. Please consult the church bulletin for dates and times.
SATURDAY (Chapel):
Confessions: 8:30 – 9:15 a.m.