Confession, or Reconciliation of a Penitent

The Episcopal Book of Common Prayer (1979) has two forms for the Reconciliation of a Penitent (private confession). This sacrament is one in which a person has the opportunity to name specific sins before God, in the presence of a “wise and discerning” priest of the Church. In the Anglican understanding of private confession, the penitent has cause for great joy in thanksgiving for God’s boundless mercy and compassion. God the Father is always ready to forgive, and this beautiful sacrament allows the Christian to let go of the sins that have weighed on her or his heart. The old Anglican adage, nevertheless, holds true: “all may, some should, none must.” The Sacrament of Reconciliation is not mandated by the Episcopal Church, but it is a profound source of healing. It allows individuals to confront and relinquish their own personal sins, while the general confession during Mass enables the collective body of believers to acknowledge the widespread, systemic sin that is part of the human condition.

The Sacrament of Reconciliation is available at any time by appointment. To make a private confession, please contact Father Kyle.