The Authority to Forgive Sins
On the evening of the first day Jesus had risen from the dead, Jesus appeared to his Apostles in the Upper Room and said to them, "As the Father has sent me, so I send you." Jesus then breathed on them and said, "Receive the Holy Spirit. Whose sins you forgive are forgiven and whose sins you retain are retained" (John 20:21-23).

Jesus came to forgive sins. This is why the Father sent him. Likewise, Jesus sends his Apostles to continue his own ministry of forgiveness, and by appointing successors, the Apostles extended this ministry to the bishops who succeeded them in office. Today, throughout the historical Catholic Church Jesus established, those with the authority that has been handed down to them are able to forgive sins in the name of Jesus Christ, with his very own authority! (Learn more by clicking here)

When Can I Receive This Sacrament?
St. Mary's frequently offers the opportunity to receive this powerful sacrament of mercy. It is administered in the parish confessional by one of our parish priests during the 30 minutes before Mass on weekdays. It is also regularly administered between 4:30 and 5:30 PM on Saturday afternoons. Should any of these times not be suitable, you can always contact the parish office and schedule an appointment to receive this sacrament. (View the Mass Schedule)