The Sacraments of Healing

Reconciliation

An encounter with the God of mercy, who is always waiting for you. Also called Penance or Confession.

Artwork placeholder — the Return of the Prodigal Son, an open confessional, or rays of Divine Mercy

"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."

Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1422

No matter how long it has been, you are welcome. The Sacrament of Reconciliation is a profound meeting with God's mercy — a place of forgiveness, healing, and a fresh start in friendship with Christ and his Church.

If it has been a while, simply tell the priest; he will gently guide you through it. There is nothing to fear and everything to receive.

"I Myself Am Waiting There for You"

In her Diary, St. Faustina Kowalska recorded the Lord's own words about this sacrament:

"When you go to Confession, to this fountain of My mercy, the Blood and Water which came forth from My Heart always flow down upon your soul and ennoble it. Every time you go to Confession, immerse yourself entirely in My mercy, with great trust, so that I may pour the bounty of My grace upon your soul. When you approach the confessional, know this, that I Myself am waiting there for you. I am only hidden in the priest, but I Myself act in your soul. Here the misery of the soul meets the God of mercy."

Diary of St. Faustina, 1602

The Tribunal of Mercy

"Tell souls where they are to look for solace; that is, in the Tribunal of Mercy. There the greatest miracles take place and are incessantly repeated. To avail oneself of this miracle, it is not necessary to go on a great pilgrimage or to carry out some external ceremony; it suffices to come with faith to the feet of My representative and to reveal to him one's misery, and the miracle of Divine Mercy will be fully demonstrated. Were a soul like a decaying corpse so that from a human standpoint there would be no hope of restoration, and everything would already be lost, it is not so with God. The miracle of Divine Mercy restores that soul in full."

Diary of St. Faustina, 1448

A Fountain of Grace and Healing

Receiving this sacrament under the proper conditions not only grants God's forgiveness but also gives special graces to overcome temptation and to avoid repeating sins. The saints called it a "valuable exercise of virtue," an "irreplaceable school of spirituality," and a "highly positive process for the regeneration of souls." Even a soul in deep decay can be fully restored by the miracle of Divine Mercy.

"Don't be afraid to go to the Sacrament of Confession, where you will meet Jesus who forgives you."
— Pope Francis

Prepare Your Heart

A few quiet minutes of reflection before Confession can be a great gift. These resources can help:

Examination of Conscience (PDF) Understanding Divine Mercy (PDF)

Confession Times at Your Parish

Kept current from each parish’s weekly schedule. Times can change for holy days and special liturgies, so please also check the bulletin.

St. Mary

Anacortes

Saturday3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Sunday10:30 AM - 10:50 AM

St. Francis Xavier

Friday Harbor · San Juan Islands

  • When30 minutes before each Mass, unless otherwise noted.

St. Paul

Swinomish

  • When30 minutes before all Mass times.