And after getting into a boat he crossed the sea and came to his own town. And just then some people were carrying a paralyzed man lying on a bed. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, "Take heart, son; your sins are forgiven."  Then some of the scribes said to themselves, "This man is blaspheming." But Jesus, perceiving their thoughts, said, "Why do you think evil in your hearts? For which is easier, to say, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Stand up and walk'?  But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins"--he then said to the paralytic--"Stand up, take your bed and go to your home."  And he stood up and went to his home. When the crowds saw it, they were filled with awe, and they glorified God, who had given such authority to human beings (Matthew 9:1-8).

Jesus said to them again, "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, "Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained” (John 20:21-23).

The first chapters of the Book of Genesis describe how God created everything. Hence, all of creation, especially the human race, was good. However, early in human history people committed the first sin.  Therefore, humans, not God, were responsible for moral evil in the world.

Throughout the Old Testament, God frequently sent special messengers to call people back to leading a morally good life. The prophets dramatically preached the need for repentance and reconciliation. John the Baptist, the last of the prophets, proclaimed this theme: Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near (Matthew 3:2).

In the fullness of time, God the Father sent His only Son, Jesus, who said, Repent, and believe in the good news (Mark 1:15).  Jesus calls every person to live a holy life.  In the Sermon on the Mount, He admonishes us: Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect (Matthew 5:48).  Consequently, a Catholic will strive to build his or her life around three basic tenets:

1. •to love God above all things with one’s whole heart;
   

2. •to love one’s neighbor as oneself;
   

3. •to strive to follow God’s call to perfection.
   

Jesus spent almost three years in public teaching. While He denounced sin, He manifested great personal love for sinners. God desires that the sinner be converted and saved.  Say to them, As I live, says the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from their ways and live; turn back, turn back from your evil ways (Ezekiel 33:11).

Jesus, who is both human and divine, knows and thoroughly understands human nature.  He therefore not only calls for repentance but He gives us a sacrament to make reconciliation possible. The Sacrament of Reconciliation should be a joyful experience. In fact, God is unable to resist a humble penitent pleading for mercy, Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance (Luke 15:7).

The Sacrament of Reconciliation is the means by which Jesus, through the absolution of the priest, forgives sins committed after Baptism and brings about reconciliation with God and with the Church.

At St. Aidan Parish, there are multiple opportunities to prepare to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation for the first time.

Children in our 2nd grade Faith Formation Program prepare first to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation in early December followed by preparation to receive the Sacrament of the Eucharist in May. Sessions involving the participation of both children and parents form a necessary component of this preparation.  Click here for detailed information on 2nd grade preparation for the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist.

1. •For children who are older, call to speak with the Director of Faith Formation for special arrangements, 734-425-5950.
   

2. •For adult Catholics who have not yet received the Sacrament, call to speak with the Director of Faith Formation for special arrangements.
   

3. •For un-baptized individuals, please click here to learn more about the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) or call the phone number mentioned above to speak with the Director of Faith Formation.
   

4. •For non-Catholic Christians, please click here to learn more about the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) or call the phone number mentioned above to speak with the Director of Faith Formation.