Reconciliation
“Jesus said to them again, ‘Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I send you.’ And 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; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained’”
What is the Sacrament of Reconciliation (also called Confession)?
The Sacrament of Reconciliation is one of the most unique and beautiful aspects of Catholicism. Jesus Christ, in His abundant love and mercy, established the Sacrament of Confession, so that we as sinners can obtain forgiveness for our sins and reconcile with God and the Church. The sacrament “washes us clean,” and renews us in Christ. (source)
If you haven’t been to Confession in a while, we welcome you back, and invite you to participate in this beautiful sacrament of healing. Take a step in faith. You’ll be surprised about how free you feel after taking part in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. So many Catholics describe incredible feelings of peace, joy, relief, and love that they never expected. Jesus is calling you to experience His mercy in this way too.
Note on the updated translation of the Prayer of Absolution:
The USCCB Office for Divine Worship has approved a new translation for the Order of Penance to be said by priests during the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Ash Wednesday (February 22, 2023) is the day of first allowed use, and starting on Divine Mercy Sunday (April 16, 2023), it will be mandatory for priests to use it. The differences between the old and new translations are minor, and should not affect how the faithful prepare or receive the sacrament. The updated text is offered below as an opportunity to reflect on the gift of mercy available to us at Confession:
“God, the Father of mercies, through the Death and Resurrection of his Son has reconciled the world to himself and poured out the Holy Spirit for the forgiveness of sins;
through the ministry of the Church may God grant you pardon and peace. And I absolve you from your sins, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.”
Confession Schedule
Mondays, 8:30-9:30am
Fridays, 9-10am
Saturdays, 3-4:15pm
Penance Service: Wednesday, March 13th, 6-7:30pm (learn more)
How to go to Confession?
Greeting: The priest will welcome you; he may say a short blessing or read a Scripture passage.
Sign of the Cross: Together, you and the priest will make the Sign of the Cross. You may then begin your confession with these or similar words: “Bless me, Father, for I have sinned. It has been (give weeks, months, or years) since my last confession.”
Confession: Confess all your sins to the priest. If you are unsure what to say, ask the priest for help. When you are finished, conclude with these or similar words: “I am sorry for these and all my sins.”
Penance: The priest will propose an act of penance. The penance might be prayer, a work of mercy, or an act of charity. He might also counsel you on how to better live a Christian life.
Act of Contrition: Say an Act of Contrition, expressing sorrow for your sins and resolving to leave sin behind and live more like Jesus Christ!
Absolution: The priest then blesses you in the person of Christ as he says the prayer of Absolution which frees you from your sins
Examination of Conscience Guides
Acts of Contrition
There are a variety of different Acts of Contrition suggested in the Rite of Penance. Here are a few of them.
TRADITIONAL
O my God, I am heartily sorry for having offended Thee, and I detest all my sins because of thy just punishments, but most of all because they offend Thee, my God, who art all good and deserving of all my love.
I firmly resolve with the help of Thy grace to sin no more and to avoid the near occasion of sin. Amen.
Amen.
ALTERNATE
My God, I am sorry for my sins with all my heart. In choosing to do wrong and failing to do good, I have sinned against you whom I should love above all things.
I firmly intend, with your help, to do penance, to sin no more, and to avoid whatever leads me to sin.
Our Savior Jesus Christ suffered and died for us. In his name, my God, have mercy.
INSPIRED BY THE GOSPELS
Father of mercy, like the prodigal son I return to you and say: "I have sinned against you and am no longer worthy to be called your child."
Christ Jesus, Savior of the world, I pray with the repentant thief to whom you promised Paradise: "Lord, remember me in your kingdom."
Holy Spirit, fountain of love, I call on you with trust: "Purify my heart, and help me to walk as a child of light."
TO OUR LORD JESUS
Lord Jesus, you chose to be called the friend of sinners. By your saving death and resurrection free me from my sins. May your peace take root in my heart and bring forth a harvest of love, holiness, and truth.
Lord Jesus, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.
First Reconciliation
Sacramental Preparation for First Reconciliation requires a two year preparation, which begins in the second year of Level 2. (Please see Catechesis of the Good Shepherd for more information”)