While Baptism washes away Original Sin, we still face the weakness of human nature and the inclination to turn away from God. In His abundant mercy, Jesus established the Sacrament of Confession to offer us a way home.
This beautiful sacrament allows us to obtain forgiveness, reconcile with the Church, and be "washed clean" by Christ’s grace. No matter how long it has been, we invite you to experience the peace and renewal that comes through His forgiveness.
Confession at Our Parish
Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday: 9:15 AM - 10:00 AM
Wednesday: 6:00 PM - 6:45 PM
Friday: 4:30 PM - 5:15 PM
Saturday and Sunday: 45 minutes prior to all Masses
How to Confess
EXAMINATION OF CONSCIENCE
Before you go to confession, recall your sins. Prayerfully ask yourself what you have done with full knowledge and full consent against God’s and the Church’s commandments. Pray for God’s help, tell God how truly sorry you are for your sins, and make a firm resolution to not sin again. Use the Examination of Conscience questions to help review your sins.
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Do I pray to God every day? Have I thanked God for his gifts to me?
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Did I put my faith in danger through readings contrary to Catholic teachings or involvement in non-Catholic sects? Did I engage in superstitious practices: palm reading or fortune-telling?
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Did I take the name of God in vain? Did I curse or take a false oath?
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Did I miss Mass on Sundays or holy days of obligation through my own fault? Am I attentive at Mass? Did I keep fast and abstinence on the prescribed days?
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Did I disobey my parents and lawful superiors in important matters?
Did I hate or quarrel with anyone, or desire revenge? Did I refuse to forgive? Was I disrespectful? -
Did I get drunk? Did I take illicit drugs?
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Did I consent to, recommend, advise, or actively take part in an abortion?
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Did I willfully look at pornography, entertain impure thoughts, or engage in impure conversations or actions? Did I use artificial means to prevent conception?
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Was I unfaithful to my spouse? Did I engage in sexual activity outside of marriage?
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Did I steal or damage another’s property? Have I been honest and just in my business relations?
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Have I been responsive to the needs of the poor and respected the dignity of others?
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Did I tell lies? Did I sin by calumny, or detraction, of others? Did I judge others rashly in serious matters?
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Have I envied other people?
THE RITE OF RECONCILIATION
Before you go to confession, recall your sins. Prayerfully ask yourself what you have done with full knowledge and full consent against God’s and the Church’s commandments. Pray for God’s help, tell God how truly sorry you are for your sins, and make a firm resolution not to sin again. Use the Examination of Conscience questions to help review your sins.
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The priest gives you a blessing or greeting. He may share a brief Scripture passage.
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Make the Sign of the Cross and say, “Bless me, father, for I have sinned. My last confession was [give the number of weeks, months, or years].”
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Confess all of your sins to the priest. The priest will help you to make a good confession. If you are unsure about how to confess or you feel uneasy, just ask him to help you. Answer his questions without hiding anything out of fear or shame. Place your trust in God, a merciful Father who wants to forgive you.
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Following your confession of sins, say, “I am sorry for these and all of my sins.”
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The priest assigns you a penance and offers advice to help you be a better Catholic.
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Say an Act of Contrition, below, expressing your sorrow for your sins. The priest, acting in the person of Christ, then absolves you from your sins
THE ACT OF CONTRITION
God, I am heartily sorry for having offended you, and I detest all my sins because I dread the loss of heaven and the pains of hell; 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 confess my sins, do penance, and to amend my life.
Amen.
