Monday - Tuesday - Thursday - Friday
8:30 am - 9:00 pm
Wednesday
6:00 pm - 6:45 pm
Saturday
3:30 pm - 4:30 pm
The Sacrament of Reconciliation brings about a change of heart through God's mercy and forgiveness. Reconciliation (also known as Confession or Penance) is a sacrament instituted by Jesus Christ in His love and mercy to offer sinners forgiveness for offenses committed against God. At the same time sinners reconcile with the Church who is also wounded by our sins.
The forgiveness of sins involves four parts:
CONTRITION: a sincere sorrow for having offended God and the most important act of the penitent. There can be no forgiveness of sin if we do not have sorrow and a firm resolve not to repeat our sin.
CONFESSION: confronting our sins in a profound way to God by speaking about them - aloud - to a priest.
PENANCE: an important part of our healing is the "penance" imposed in reparation for our sins
ABSOLUTION: the priest imparts the words which reconcile a sinner to God through the merits of the cross.
BEFORE CONFESSION:
We should EXAMINE our conscience, that is, reflect on the sins one has committed.
Click here to see a guide "examination of conscience".
Click here to see a guide for "Examination of Conscience for Children"
It's even alright to make a list to bring with you to confession if that helps.
RITE OF RECONCILIATION"
The priest will either give you a greeting or a blessing.
Make the Sign of the Cross and say "Bless me, Father, I have sinned. It has been (how long) since my last confession. These are my sins.....'
Confess all your sins to the priest. If you are unsure about how to confess or you fell uneasy, just ask him to help you. Answer his questions without hiding anything out of fear or shame.
Following your confession of sins, say: "I am sorry for these and all of my sins."
The priet assign you a penance: the penance might be a prayer, work of mercy, or an act of charity. Might also offer some advice on how to live a better Catholic life.
Pray the Act of Contrition, expressing sorrow for your sins and resolving to sin no more.
"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." (Rite of Penance, no.45)
The priest will extend his hands in your direction and he will pray the prayer of Absolution.
The priest will then say something along the lines: "God has free you from your sins. Go in Peace." To which you respond: "Thanks be to God."
AFTER CONFESSION
Don't forget to do your penance.