Encountering God's infinite mercy, forgiveness, and healing grace.
Through the Sacrament of Reconciliation, we encounter the profound mercy and unconditional love of God. No matter how long it has been, or how heavy our burden, God's forgiveness is always available to those who seek it with a sincere heart.
We warmly welcome all parishioners — and those away from the Church for any length of time — to experience the peace and healing of this beautiful sacrament.
A child's first confession. Children prepare through our faith formation program, usually in Grade 2, in the same year they prepare for First Communion, and celebrate the sacrament together in a gentle, welcoming way before their First Communion.
After First Reconciliation, the sacrament is there for you for the rest of your life. Come to any of the regular confession times below. No appointment is needed, and you can always call the office to arrange another time.
First Reconciliation is part of the sacramental preparation year, alongside First Communion. Here is how it works at St. Charles Garnier:
To register or ask a question, choose First Reconciliation in the inquiry form on this page, email formation.scg.kelowna@nelsondiocese.org, or call the parish office at 250-860-6776.
4:30 to 4:45 PM — before the 5:00 PM Vigil Mass.
9:00 to 9:30 AM.
To arrange confession outside regular times, call the parish office at 250-860-6776. We are always available for you.
Reconciliation begins with a sincere examination of conscience and heartfelt contrition — a genuine turning back to God with sorrow for sin and the firm resolve to avoid sin in the future.
We confess our sins privately to a priest, who acts in the person of Christ. The confessional is a sacred space of mercy, never judgment.
The priest assigns a penance — typically prayers or acts of charity — as a sign of our willingness to repair the harm caused by sin and to strengthen our commitment to conversion.
Through the power given by Christ to the Apostles, the priest absolves us from our sins in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
We are reconciled with God and with the Church. This beautiful sacrament restores and strengthens our relationship with God and brings deep peace to the soul.
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”
1 JOHN 1:9
No appointment is needed during scheduled confession times. For confession outside of regular hours, please contact the parish office to arrange a convenient time.
Yes. Children celebrate First Reconciliation before they receive First Communion. Both are part of the same preparation year, and the parish walks your family through each step.
Take quiet time to examine your conscience, reflecting honestly on your thoughts, words, actions, and omissions since your last confession. Many people find a written examination of conscience helpful.
ANSWER TBC — text to come from the parish office.
The Church requires Catholics to confess serious (mortal) sins at least once per year. However, regular confession — even of venial sins — is strongly encouraged as a powerful spiritual practice.
Come as you are. God's mercy is without limit. Confession is available every Saturday at 4:30 PM, or by appointment.
