Sometimes, we also need someone in whom we can confide and help us explore more honestly the burdens we carry. This is why parish priest’s are bound by their office to adhere to confidentiality in the confessional. We are able to offer confidential spiritual guidance whenever you may need it. Individual confession can be important so that our consciences may be clear and our souls pure. If you would like to explore this further please contact The Parish Office on parish.office@stmaryandstnicolas.org.uk
Sacramental confession, also known as the Sacrament of Reconciliation, is an important pracice in the Anglican and Catholic Churches. It offers forgiveness and reconciliation with God and the community.
Significance of Confession
Confession is one of the seven sacraments recognised by the Anglican Church and instituted by Jesus Christ to provide forgiveness of sins. It serves as a means of grace, allowing individuals to reconcile with God and restore their relationship with the community. It emphasises God’s amazing mercy and and the importance of repentance. The sacrament of confession is rooted in the biblical teaching of Jesus. You find this remarkably clear in the Gospel of St John where Jesus empowers his disciples to forgive sins (John 20:21-23).
For most Anglicans, confession is necessary only necessary occasionally. Lent and Advent tend to be popular times for people to have their confession heard. For others, they like a more regular pattern. In Anglicanism there is a saying associated with the Sacrament of Confession, it goes:’ all may, some do, few must’…