"In him we live and move and have our being" (Acts 17:28)
RECONCILIATION
CONFESSION TIMES
Thursday 4:00pm-5:45pm
Saturday 2:00pm-4:30pm
ABOUT RECONCILIATION
Jesus entrusted the ministry of reconciliation to the Church. The Sacrament of Penance is God's gift to us so that any sin committed after Baptism can be forgiven. In confession we have the opportunity to repent and recover the grace of friendship with God. It is a holy moment in which we place ourselves in his presence and honestly acknowledge our sins, especially mortal sins. With absolution, we are reconciled to God and the Church. The Sacrament helps us stay close to the truth that we cannot live without God. "In him we live and move and have our being" (Acts 17:28).
EXAMINATION OF CONSCIENCE
As you prepare to make a good confession, you want to ask God's forgiveness for any way in which you have offended him but particularly for any serious sin. If you are not certain what you should bring to the priest in confession, do not be afraid to ask him for help. The priest is there to assist you and to share with you God's love and mercy. A good frame of reference are the Ten Commandments.
IN CONFESSION:
Say to the priest: "Forgive me Father for I have sinned."
And then say: "It has been (however long) ____ since my last Confession."
Then tell the priest what sins you have committed.
(Be humble and honest. Don't hold back. Jesus wants to forgive you)
The priest will give you some encouragement and penance.
Then say the Act of Contrition prayer (below)
ACT OF CONTRITION
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.
The priest will then absolve you of your sins.
After the priest says "go in peace" respond with
"Thank you".
After confession take time to do penance.
PENANCE
To complete the process, a penance is imposed. Absolution takes away sin, but it does not remedy all disorders caused by sin. While we are not capable of truly satisfying God for the evil we have done and its consequences, we must make satisfaction for our sin through some action or prayer that will express our desire to make amends and to repair something of the disorder, damage or harm which our sinful actions have brought into the world. The penance imposed takes into account the penitent's personal situation and serves to support his or her spiritual good. It corresponds as much as possible to the gravity of the sins confessed. It may be a prayer, an offering, works of mercy, sacrifices or service to another. But this penance is in a real way our share in the Cross and helps us to be more closely joined to Christ.
