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The sacrament of God's mercy

Reconciliation

Also called Confession or Penance. Whether it's been a week or many years, you're welcome to come home.

Confession times → Make an appointment
The nave of St. Francis Solanus Church, looking toward the altar
Going to Confession

When you can come

The Sacrament of Reconciliation is offered every week at St. Francis Solanus. No appointment is needed during these times.

  • SaturdayFollowing the 8:00 a.m. Mass, and at 3:00 p.m.
  • Wednesday4:00 p.m.
  • Other timesPlease call the Parish Office for an appointment at 217-222-2898.

Times can change for holy days and seasons like Advent and Lent. Always check the current schedule.

John 20:22-23
…he breathed on them and said to them, "Receive the holy Spirit. Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained."

We know that Jesus, when he walked this earth, forgave people's sins over and over again. And so the above quote from the Gospel of John gives us the basis of Jesus' institution of the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

"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."

Second Vatican Council, Lumen Gentium §11

Been a while?

Don't let nerves keep you away

If you don't remember what to say, just tell the priest. He'll gladly walk you through it. You can go face to face or behind the screen, whichever you prefer.

Before you go: take a few quiet minutes to examine your conscience, thinking honestly about where you've fallen short since your last confession.

  1. BeginMake the Sign of the Cross and say, "Bless me, Father, for I have sinned. It has been ___ since my last confession."
  2. ConfessTell the priest your sins. He may offer a few words of encouragement.
  3. Receive a penanceUsually a prayer or a simple act to do afterward.
  4. Act of ContritionPray an Act of Contrition, expressing sorrow for your sins.
  5. AbsolutionThe priest offers absolution, and you're forgiven. Go in peace, and complete your penance.
For families

First Reconciliation in 2nd grade

Preparation for First Reconciliation is given during the 2nd grade at St. Francis Solanus School and in the Parish School of Religion (PSR) program.

Since parents are the first and primary teachers of their children, they play an important role in this preparation. As with the "sacraments of Christian Initiation," the parish helps parents by providing a program and materials to guide them in preparing their children for this sacrament of forgiveness.

Parents are required to attend the First Reconciliation parent meeting. This meeting provides parents with information on how to help prepare their child for this sacrament. They also receive a home study book that will help their child prepare for the worthy reception of their First Reconciliation.

Sacrament preparation Grant Wilson Director of Religious Education

Questions about First Reconciliation for St. Francis School and PSR families.