The Sacrament of Reconciliation
The Sacrament of Reconciliation, or "Confessions" as it is sometimes known, is available freely in St Mary's. It is frequently celebrated just before, or just after, one of the regular services, but specific times are also published before the great Festivals of the Church - Advent, Christmas, Lent, Easter and Pentecost. Jesus empowered his apostles with the authority to "absolve all those who truly repent" (Book of Common Prayer) as he said "All those whose sins you forgive, they are forgiven; and all those whose sins you retain, they are retained." At his ordination to the priesthood, these words are heard again by the new priest, and form a core part of his ministry of "absolving, blessing and consecrating." For those who avail themselves of this sacrament, there is the assurance of God's forgiveness, pronounced audibly by the priest.