The Sacrament of Reconciliation (commonly called Confession or Penance) is the method given by Christ to the Church by which individuals are freed from sins committed after receiving Baptism. Confession is not difficult, but it does require preparation.
Catholics believe that no priest, however pious or learned, has the power to forgive sins apart from Christ. However, God can and does accomplish the forgiveness of sins through the Catholic priesthood in the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
In the Catholic tradition, after making an examination of conscience that often involves review of the Ten Commandments and/or the Seven Deadly Sins, the penitent confesses his/her sins to receive the fullness of God’s grace. The intent of this sacrament is to provide healing for the soul as well as to restore one’s relationship to God, lost by sin.
The confidentiality of all statements made by penitents during the course of confession is absolute. This strict confidentiality is known as the Seal of the Confessional. Priests may not reveal what they have learned during confession to anyone, even under the threat of their own death or that of others.
The Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession) involves four steps:
- Contrition: A sincere sorrow for having offended God, and the most important act of the person confessing. There can be no forgiveness of sin if we do not have sorrow and a firm resolve not to repeat our sin.
- Confession: Naming our sins—aloud—to the priest, who represents Christ and the Church.
- Penance: The prayers—or sometimes, the good deeds—the priest gives, for our healing and the healing of those we have hurt by our sins.
- Absolution: The words the priest speaks by which “God, the Father of mercies” reconciles us to himself through his death and resurrection, called the Prayer of Absolution: “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.”
Going to Confession
- Reconciliation may be face-to-face or anonymous, with a screen between you and the priest. Choose the option that is the most comfortable for you.
- The priest gives a blessing or greeting.
- Make the Sign of the Cross and say, “Bless me father, for I have sinned. My last confession was…” (give weeks, months, or years).
- Confess all your sins to the priest. (If you are unsure or uneasy, tell him and ask for help.)
- Say, “I am sorry for these and all my sins.”
- The priest gives a penance and offers advice to help you become a better Catholic Christian.
- Say an Act of Contrition, expressing your sorrow for your sins.
- The priest, acting in the person of Christ, then absolves you from your sins.
Act of Contrition
O my God, I am heartily sorry for having offended you, and I detest all my sins because of your just punishments, but most of all because they offend you, my God, who are all good and deserving of all my love. I firmly resolve, with the help of your grace, to sin no more and to avoid the near occasions of sin. Amen.
The sacrament of reconciliation (confession) is available at these times:
- Saturday 3:00 – 3:45 PM
- Thursday 6:30 – 7:30 PM
- No confessions Holy Thursday through Easter Sunday.
- To arrange a time outside of this schedule please contact Fr. Jason.