In the sacrament of reconciliation we find new life and peace through God’s mercy and unconditional forgiveness. It is one of the clearest signs of God’s love for his people.

Confessions are heard on Saturdays from
3.30 - 4:30 pm,
and by appointment at
 323-725-7578.
Special penitential services are also held during Advent and Lent.

The Sacrament of Reconciliation (penance) is the liturgical celebration of God’s forgiveness of the sins of the penitent, who is thus reconciled with God and with the Church.

What is the Sacrament of Reconciliation?
The Sacrament of Reconciliation is a common name used for the Sacrament of Confession. Whereas "Confession" stresses the action of the believer in the sacrament, "Reconciliation" stresses the action of God, who uses the sacrament to reconcile us to Himself by restoring sanctifying grace in our souls.

It is an experience of the gift of God's boundless mercy. Not only does it free us from our sins but it also challenges us to have the same kind of compassion and forgiveness for those who sin against us. We are liberated to be forgivers. We obtain new insight into the words of the Prayer of St. Francis: "It is in pardoning that we are pardoned."

In confession, we have the opportunity to repent and recover the grace of friendship with God. It is a holy moment in which we place ourselves in his presence and honestly acknowledge our sins, especially mortal sins.  With absolution, we are reconciled to God and the Church. The Sacrament helps us stay close to the truth that we cannot live without God. "In him, we live and move and have our being" (Acts 17:28).

Since Vatican II, the Sacrament of Confession has been called the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Every Catholic is required to receive the sacrament at least once each year.
While all the Sacraments bring us an experience of the mercy that comes from Christ's dying and rising, it is the Sacrament of Reconciliation that is the unique Sacrament of mercy.

©2016 United States Conference of Catholic Bishops