ST. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church

14908 Main Street

Upper Marlboro, Maryland  20772

email:  rectory@stmarysum.org

Business Hours for the Rectory 10am - 5pm Monday through Friday

Penance

Reconciliation between God and us was brought about by our Lord Jesus Christ in the mystery of his death and resurrection. The Lord entrusted the ministry of reconciliation to the Church through the Apostles. Because of human weakness, Christians break off their friendship with God by serious sin. The lord, therefore, instituted a special sacrament of penance for the pardon of sins committed after baptism. So also lesser sins, although they do not break off our friendship with God, are also forgiven in this sacrament, as a fruitful way to advance in God’s love. The Church has faithfully celebrated the sacrament throughout the centuries — in varying ways, but retaining its essential elements. The necessary elements to the sacrament are contrition, confession of sins, the act of penance or satisfaction, and absolution.

The sacrament of penance is made available at St. Mary’s on Saturday afternoons and on Tuesday evenings. Appointments can also be made at other times. Confessions are also heard for the school and CCD children. The penitent has the option of confessing anonymously (behind a screen) or in a face-to-face exchange with the priest.

Our young children receive First Penance prior to First Eucharist, usually in the second grade.

Send mail to webmaster@stmarysum.org with questions or comments about this web site.