Sacrament of Reconciliation

"'The whole power of the sacrament of Penance consists in restoring us to God's grace and joining us with him in an intimate friendship.' Reconciliation with God is thus the purpose and effect of this sacrament. For those who receive the sacrament of Penance with contrite heart and religious disposition, reconciliation 'is usually followed by peace and serenity of conscience with strong spiritual consolation.' Indeed the sacrament of Reconciliation with God brings about a true 'spiritual resurrection,' restoration of the dignity and blessings of the life of the children of God, of which the most precious is friendship with God." (Catechism 1468)

Scheduled Celebrations of the Sacrament

Individual confessions are offered every Saturday from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. in church. In addition, confessions are heard before Masses on Sundays, Holy Days, and First Fridays.

In addition to regularly scheduled celebrations of the sacrament, one may arrange an appointment with a parish priest to receive the sacrament by contacting the rectory at 215-468-4777.

Parish Reconciliation Services

Parish reconciliation services are held twice during the year, once during Advent and again during Lent. These services combine a liturgical celebration (with songs, the Liturgy of the Word, homily, and prayers of repentance) with time for individual confessions. A number of visiting priests are on hand during such services to assist with the hearing of individual confessions. The date and times of these reconciliation services are announced in the parish bulletin several weeks in advance.

Have You Been Away from The Sacrament for a While?

The second precept of the Church requires all Catholics to "confess your sins at least once a year." Doing so "ensures preparation for the Eucharist by the reception of the sacrament of reconciliation, which continues Baptism's work of conversion and forgiveness." (Catechism 2042, see also 1457)

In addition, "it must be recalled that...this reconciliation with God leads, as it were, to other reconciliations, which repair the other breaches caused by sin. The forgiven penitent is reconciled with himself in his inmost being, where he regains his innermost truth. He is reconciled with his brethren whom he has in some way offended and wounded. He is reconciled with the Church. He is reconciled with all creation." (Catechism 1469)

Those who have been away from the Church or who have not been to confession for some time may find it helpful to speak with a priest or pastoral staff person to refresh themselves on how to receive this sacrament (i.e., how to "go to confession"). Our parish priests and pastoral staff would warmly welcome any questions they have about the sacrament or about what one needs to confess. Additional help may be obtained by calling the archdiocesan toll-free hotline, 1-877-253-7763, where you can speak annonymously with a priest about your questions or concerns.

If you've been away from the Church for whatever reason, there is no time like the present to begin the journey home. Like the parable of the Prodigal Son, the parish community of St. Richard awaits your return and longs to embrace you within its community once again.