Reconciliation

Many Names, One Sacrament

This sacrament is known by several names, each pointing to a different grace it offers: it is a sacrament of conversion, because it answers Christ's call to turn back to the Father; of penance, because it consecrates a sinner's steps toward that conversion; of confession, because acknowledging our sins to a priest is essential to it; and of forgiveness and reconciliation, because through it God's pardon and merciful love are restored to us.

Preparing for Confession

Before confessing, take time for an examination of conscience — quietly reviewing your thoughts, words, and actions since your last confession in light of the Ten Commandments and Christ's call to love God and neighbor. Consider your prayer life and participation in Sunday Mass, how you have treated family and others in authority, your honesty and self-control, and your faithfulness in relationships.

The Four Parts of the Sacrament

What to Expect

Confession may be made face-to-face or from behind a screen, whichever you prefer. After a brief greeting, the penitent begins with the Sign of the Cross and the traditional words, “Bless me, Father, for I have sinned,” noting how long it has been since their last confession. After confessing their sins, the priest offers counsel and assigns a penance, and the penitent prays an Act of Contrition before receiving absolution.

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.

Confession Times

See Mass Times & Confession for the confession schedule at each parish location.