Sacraments of Reconciliation and Anointing of the Sick

At the heart of Christ’s mission was the forgiveness of sins. Your sins are forgiven you. Those living in his day knew just as we know today that only God can ultimately forgive sins. Even so it is clear from the scriptural stories that they also needed to hear those words of absolution. They longed to be ministered to so that they could experience the true freedom God wants for His children here and now. No doubt it got Jesus into trouble with the authorities of His day; they just didn’t recognize as we do today that He is God and certainly has the power to forgive sins. In a similar way we are misunderstood today. People don’t realize that Christ gave the apostles the power to forgive in His name. Yes, it is Christ who administers forgiveness through His ordained ministers continuing an essential aspect of His ongoing mission in the world today. The sacrament of Reconciliation is the necessary occasion where Christ meets the penitent sinner to minister to them. This wonderful sacrament of healing and love was known and celebrated by all Christians for the first 1500 years of Christianity and remains one of the seven great sacraments instituted by Christ in the Catholic Church.

Confessions are heard:

• FRIDAY: 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM

• SATURDAY: 3:30 PM to 4:15 PM  (Please let Fr. Olkowski know if you would like Confession following Mass)

You may also call the rectory for a time that may be convenient to you, 717.392.2578.

Preparation to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation for the first time begins in first grade. Our Religous Education contact is Keri Kiefer. Children are expected to attend either religious education classes on Sunday morning, at a Catholic school, or be home-schooled with an approved Diocesan curriculum. The sacrament of Reconciliation is celebrated for the first time individually as part of a special Communal Reconciliation Service. Families are invited to participate in this service.

• Please do not hesitate to call the office at (717) 392-2578 to schedule an appointment for:

  • a homebound visit by an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion for the reception of the Eucharist - Fran Sescilla

  • you are in need of a visit by a priest to receive the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick and/or the Sacrament of Confession/Reconciliation.

    Lancaster General Hospital has a full-time Catholic priest as a chaplain (Fr. Deo). If anointing at the hospital is needed in an emergency, please have the hospital contact the chaplain.

    If a friend or family member of the parish is in the hospital (including other Lancaster area hospitals such as Heart of Lancaster in Lititz, Hospice in Mt. Joy, etc.), please call the parish office at 717 392-2578.

    IF IT IS AN EMERGENCY AFTER THE OFFICE IS CLOSED, then please follow the directions on the answering machine for the emergency contact.