RECONCILIATION / PENANCE

"Those who approach the sacrament of Penance obtain pardon from God's mercy for the offense committed against him, and are, at the same time reconciled with the Church which they have wounded by their sins and which by charity, by example, and by prayer labors for their conversion."

- Catechism of the Catholic Church 1422

The Sacrament of Reconciliation is offered weekly at the following times and locations:

  • Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 4:30-5:00pm at St. Thomas More
  • Saturdays from 3:45-4:30pm at St. Thomas More
  • Monday - Thursday from 4:30-5:15pm at the Pius XII Newman Center
  • Saturdays from 11:00am-noon at Pius XII Newman Center
  • Saturdays from 4:30-4:50pm at St. John the Evangelist
  • Sundays from 8:00-8:20am at St. Paul and St. Francis de Sales
  • Sundays from 11:30am to noon at Our Lady of Good Counsel


Confession is also available by appointment.  Call the St. Thomas More parish office to schedule with one of the priests.


First Reconciliation for 2nd Graders

The Sacrament of Reconciliation is available for those who are at or above the age of reason (usually considered 2nd grade and above).  Before receiving their First Reconciliation, students should be formed for a period of time to prepare them for reception of this sacrament.  Preparation is done through our pastorate's religious education program and with parents at home using provided materials.  First Reconciliation Preparation meetings will be held at each parish on the following dates:


St. John the Evangelist, Arlington | January 17, 2026 following 5:00pm Mass

Our Lady of Good Counsel, Elkton | January 28, 2026 at 6:30pm

St. Francis de Sales, Estelline | January 14, 2026 at 6:30pm

St. Paul, White | January 21, 2026 at 6:30pm

St. Thomas More Brookings | February 4 and 11, 2026


Parents should attend the meetings with their student.


First Reconciliation for those older than 2nd Grade

Children older than 2nd Grade are able to participate in traditional preparation for First Reconciliation through our religious education program with the permission of the pastor and director of religious education of the parish where the preparation will take place.  For more information please email Evan at discipleship@stmbrookings.org.


High school-aged students and adults prepare to receive First Reconciliation through OCIA (the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults).  For more information on OCIA, click here.