The Sacrament of Penance, also known as the Sacrament of Reconciliation, is often referred to as Confession. These titles reflect particular aspects of the Rite of the Sacrament.
The Sacrament of Penance (Reconciliation) is a celebration of God’s love and mercy. It celebrates the call to repentance after a process of conversion of heart. During this sacrament, a Catholic confesses their sins in the spirit of true repentance and receives forgiveness of God through the ministry of the priest.
In the Catholic Tradition, the Sacrament of Penance is seen within the context of conversion from sin and a turn to God. Importantly, the sacrament is intended as an experience of God’s boundless mercy. Not only does the sacrament reconcile us with God, it also reconciles us with the Church, repairing or restoring the damage our sins have done to our communion with others. The sacrament challenges us to have the same kind of compassion and forgiveness for others. We obtain new insight into the words of the Prayer of St. Francis: ‘It is in pardoning that we are pardoned’.
First Penance (Reconciliation) for School-aged Children
Sacrament of First Penance is usually celebrated in our parish in the first term of the school year. Preparation for this sacrament is parish-based and family-focused.
IMPORTANT UPDATE – 2025-26 Parish Sacramental Preparation Programme
Details on the Parish Sacramental Preparation Programme (in our ‘Community of Communities’ St Ignatius Parish, Toowong – St Thomas Aquinas Parish, St Lucia – Holy Family Parish, Indooroopilly) –
The ‘Sacramental Preparation Programme’ in our ’Community of Communities’ will run over two years; commencing with Confirmation (generally year 3), then followed by First Penance (Reconciliation) and First Holy Communion (generally year 4).
In 2026 we will offer Sacrament of First Penance for those children who are in Year 4 or above who have received the Sacraments of Baptism and Confirmation.
Those children who were enrolled via Flocknote in 2025 for ‘All Sacraments (Confirmation/Eucharist/Penance)’ and child received the Sacrament of Confirmation (at St Ignatius Church, Toowong) are automatically enrolled into this year’s two preparation programmes for Sacrament of Penance (Term 1) and First Holy Communion (Term 2).
However, if your child has received the Sacrament of Confirmation and First Holy Communion in another Parish and only requires Sacrament of First Penance please register today and submit enrolment form so we can support your child’s sacramental journey.
~ Enrolments for Sacrament of First Penanceare has closed.
Child’s enrolment for Sacramental Preparation Programme to be completed via Flocknote —.
Step 1: Check my family contact information via link: stignatiustoowong.flocknote.com/register
Step 2: Submit child’s enrolment application via https://fs12.formsite.com/archbne/toowongsacraments/signup
Watch this space for the 2027 Preparation Programme to be held in Term 1 for Sacrament of First Penance (Reconciliation):-
- Parent Information meeting: tba.
- ‘Rite of Enrolment’: weekend Masses tba.
- Class for children & parents: tba.
- ‘Sacrament of First Penance’ (date): tba.
All enquiries to Janine Curcuruto, Sacrament Co-ordinator (Fridays), via email pw.toowong@bne.catholic.net.au
We thank families for taking the time to familiarise themselves with this updated structure for 2026 and beyond.
We look forward to journeying with you and your children through these important milestones in their faith.
~ Details for Term 2 Sacrament of First Eucharist available here.
Also, details on the next 2026-27 Parish Sacramental Preparation Programme will be be available soon.
Reconciliation Rites
There are three forms or ‘Rites’ for receiving the Sacrament of Penance. These are:
Reconciliation for Individual Penitents (Rite I)
In most churches there is a reconciliation room in which the person’s sins are forgiven. This room allows individuals to speak to a priest freely and privately, to recite prayers of contrition and to hear and receive God’s forgiveness.
Reconciliation for Several Penitents with individual confession and absolution (Rite II)
Many parishes provide opportunities for people to experience the sacrament of as part of a communal celebration. This form of the Rite begins with a celebration of the Word – readings from scripture, hymns, prayers, a homily and an examination of conscience, followed by a call to repentance. Private confession and reconciliation follow. The Rite concludes with a short thanksgiving, and a blessing and dismissal of the gathered assembly.
Reconciliation for Several Penitents with general confession and absolution (Rite III)
This form of the Rite follows the same pattern as Rite II, but does not include individual confessional and reconciliation. It includes a communal prayer of confession and general absolution. The use of this form is restricted to special circumstances where there is no opportunity for individual confession.