Reconciliation
The Cathedral has long been noted for offering the Sacrament of Reconciliation, which the Chaplains regard as an incredibly privileged and worthwhile ministry.
The hearing of Confessions is a pastoral priority, and a daily rota ensures the presence of at least one priest during the advertised hours. It is very moving to see the queues of the faithful during Advent and Lent.
Catholics sometimes regard this as a difficult Sacrament but the Catechism of the Catholic Church makes clear that the disclosure of sins to a priest, who is bound by a vow of silence, frees us and facilitates our reconciliation with others. By taking responsibility for our sins, we open ourselves more fully to God, ‘in order to make a new future possible’. Confession is an essential part of the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
Seating for those waiting to make their Confessions (‘the queue’) is available in the south transept, to the rear of the Lady Chapel, near to the location of the Confessionals.
