Skip to main content

Confession

God's infinite mercy and forgiveness awaits you in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Through Confession we experience healing, peace, and restoration to grace.

The Sacrament of Mercy

Reconciliation and God's Forgiveness

The Sacrament of Confession, also known as Reconciliation or Penance, is God's beautiful gift of forgiveness and healing. Through this sacrament, we experience complete forgiveness of our sins and are restored to full communion with God and the Church.

Christ gave the apostles the power to forgive sins, saying "Whose sins you forgive are forgiven", and this authority continues in the Church today through ordained priests. No sin is too great for God's infinite mercy and love.

At St Saviour's, we offer regular times for confession and welcome all who seek God's mercy. This sacrament brings peace to the soul, strength to resist temptation, and the grace necessary for spiritual growth and healing.

Key Aspects

Signs of Grace
Words of absolution and penance
Christ's Presence
Christ forgives through the priest
Church Community
Reconciled with God and Church
Receive the Holy Spirit. Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained

John 20:22-23

Healing and Restoration

Graces Received in Confession

Through the Sacrament of Reconciliation, God pours out His mercy and grace, healing our souls and restoring us to friendship with Him.

Complete Forgiveness

Complete Forgiveness

Confession

Those who approach this sacrament with a contrite heart and sincere disposition receive the full forgiveness of their sins through God's infinite mercy.

The sacrament brings about a true spiritual resurrection, restoring the dignity and grace of being a child of God.

Peace of Conscience

Peace of Conscience

Confession

The sacrament of Reconciliation brings peace and serenity of conscience, accompanied by strong spiritual consolation.

By placing ourselves before God's merciful judgement now, we are freed from the weight of guilt and restored to friendship with our Creator.

Spiritual Healing

Spiritual Healing

Confession

Sin wounds the soul and fractures our relationships. Through this sacrament, the penitent is reconciled not only with God but also with themselves, recovering their innermost truth.

It brings healing for the spiritual damage caused by sin and renewal of grace.

Reconciliation with the Church

Reconciliation with the Church

Confession

Sin fractures the bonds of ecclesial communion, but this sacrament repairs them. Beyond healing the individual, it revitalises the entire Church community.

The restored sinner is strengthened through the exchange of spiritual goods among all the living members of the Body of Christ.

Reconciliation with Self and Others

Reconciliation with Self and Others

Confession

Through this sacrament, the forgiven person is reconciled with themselves, recovering their innermost truth. They are also reconciled with those they have harmed.

This cascading restoration reaches outward from the soul to embrace all of one's relationships, bringing healing and renewed harmony with God's creation.

Strength and Grace

Strength and Grace

Confession

Through conversion, penance, and faith, the forgiven sinner passes from death to life and is preserved from condemnation.

The sacrament grants actual grace to resist future temptations and to live a virtuous life, walking more closely with Christ.

Preparation Guide

How to Prepare for Confession

Follow these steps to prepare well for the Sacrament of Reconciliation and receive God's mercy.

Examination of Conscience

Reflect honestly on your sins since last confession

Review the Ten Commandments

Reflect on thoughts, words, and actions

Consider sins of omission

Ask the Holy Spirit for guidance

Be honest with yourself about failings

Sincere Contrition

Feel genuine sorrow and resolve to change

Feel true sorrow for your sins

Understand you have offended God

Resolve to avoid sin in future

Desire to make amends if possible

Trust in God's mercy and love

Confession & Penance

Confess your sins and complete your penance

Confess all mortal sins completely

State time since last confession

Listen to priest's counsel

Receive absolution with faith

Complete assigned penance promptly

Experience God's Mercy Today

Ready to take the next step? Contact us to learn about confession times or to schedule an appointment. We're here to guide you through this sacred journey of healing and forgiveness.

Lewisham High Street, SE13 6AA

Visit Us

Call Us

020 8852 2490

Email Us

lewisham@rcaos.org.uk

Find us in the heart of Lewisham

Get Directions