The Sacrament of Reconciliation is celebrated 4:30-4:50pm on Saturday and from 11:00-11:25am on Sunday. You may also call the parish office to schedule an appointment to confess.
The sacrament of reconciliation, also known as confession or penance, is one of two of the Church’s sacraments of healing (the other being Anointing of the Sick). Rooted in the teachings and actions of Jesus Christ, reconciliation has the power to free someone from every one of their sins, returning them to their baptismal innocence.
This deeply personal and confidential sacrament involves a one-on-one encounter between the penitent and a priest, who acts as in-persona Christi, or “in the person of Christ.” Prior to the entering the confessional, the penitent performs an examination of conscience. To perform an examination of conscience, the penitent reflects on and makes note of his or her sinful thoughts, words and deeds since their last confession. Upon entering the confessional, the penitent usually kneels behind an anonymous screen or sits face-to-face with the priest. The penitent blesses themselves, saying “Bless Me, Father, for I have sinned. It has been (number of days, weeks, or years) since my last confession.” The priest will then hear you confess your sins. After, he may give advice or counsel. Depending on the circumstance, he may also ask some clarifying questions. He will assign a penance of some kind. Then, the penitent will say the act of contrition. Here is a popular formula:
O My God, I am sorry for my sins with all my heart. In choosing to do wrong and failing to do what is 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. Amen.
After that, the priest will say the prayer of absolution. When the priest says, “I absolve you of your sins in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen,” the penitent is fully forgiven, returned to a state of grace (no sin).
The sacrament of penance is undeniably a healing sacrament. Many Catholics express a feeling of peace after they confess their sins.