Reconciliation
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Confession Times
- Sunday: 9:30 AM to 10:15 AM
- Tuesday: 5:15 PM to 5:45 PM
- Wednesday: 5:15 PM to 5:45 PM
- Thursday: 5:15 PM to 5:45 PM
- Friday: 5:15 PM to 5:40 PM
- Saturday: 3:30 PM to 4:15 PM
All confessions are heard in the confessionals along the north side of the church.
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“During his public life Jesus not only forgave sins, but also made plain the effect of this forgiveness: he reintegrated forgiven sinners into the community of the People of God from which sin had alienated and excluded them… In imparting to his apostles his own power to forgive sins the Lord also gives them authority to reconcile sinners with the Church.”
- Catechism of the Catholic Church, #’s 1443 & 1444.
Before Confession
An important aspect of a good confession is a thorough examination of conscience. This can be done by examining your life since your last confession. Many people use written examinations of conscience to help guide them in the process. Some people write out their sins and even bring their sheet into confession with them. If you would like to download examples of examinations, click on one of the buttons below:
Examination of Conscience for Adults
Examination of Conscience for Young People
Examination of Conscience for Seniors
1. 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 days, months, or years] since my last confession.”
How to Go to Confession
2. 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.”
3. Penance: The priest will propose an act of penance. The penance might be a prayer, a work of mercy, or an act of charity. He might also counsel you on how to live a better Christian life.
4. Act of Contrition: After the priest has given you a penance, pray an Act of Contrition, expressing sorrow for your sins and resolving to sin no more. One suggested Act of Contrition is: “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.”5. Absolution: The priest will extend his hands over your head and pronounce the words of absolution. Make the Sign of the Cross as he makes it over you and respond, “Amen.”
6. Dismissal: The priest will conclude the Sacrament, often saying, “Go in peace.”