Reconciliation

Reconciliation, also known as "Confession" or "Penance" is a sacrament that frees us from our sins and restores a right relationship with God. During the sacrament, the penitent confesses his/her sins to the priest. After giving counsel and an exhortation about how one can live the Christian life in a better way and avoid sin in the future, the priest gives the penitent a penance. The penitent makes a firm resolve to avoid sin in the future and receives absolution from all sin by the priest. Whatever is discussed in the sacrament is privileged, confidential information. The priest may not discuss anything that is heard in confession under the pain of excommunication. The penitent must reveal any sins that he/she is aware of in order to receive absolution.
The sacrament of reconciliation is typically available on Saturdays a half hour before Mass and by request.