Sacrament of Penance & Reconciliation
"Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven." — John 20:22-23
Overview
The Sacrament of Penance (also called Reconciliation or Confession) restores our relationship with God through sincere confession, penance and absolution. It is a powerful encounter with Christ's mercy that brings healing, peace and renewal to the soul.
Who may receive?
Any baptized Catholic aware of having sinned may approach the sacrament. Children receive their First Confession before First Holy Communion.
Before you come
Make an examination of conscience (guides available at the parish), be sincerely sorry, and resolve to turn away from sin and follow Christ more closely.
The Complete Confession Process
Follow these steps to receive God's mercy and forgiveness
Examination
Prayerfully examine your conscience
Contrition
Be truly sorry for your sins
Confession
Confess sins to the priest
Absolution
Receive God's forgiveness
Examination of Conscience
Spend time in quiet prayer asking the Holy Spirit to help you see your sins. Reflect on your thoughts, words, actions, and omissions since your last confession.
💡 Tip: Use an examination of conscience guide based on the Ten Commandments or Beatitudes.
Contrition & Resolution
Express genuine sorrow for your sins, not just because you fear punishment, but because you have offended God who loves you. Make a firm resolution to avoid sin and the near occasions of sin.
🙏 Prayer: "O my God, I am heartily sorry for having offended Thee..."
Confession to Priest
Enter the confessional and begin: "Bless me, Father, for I have sinned. It has been [time] since my last confession." Confess all mortal sins in kind and number and any venial sins you recall. Listen to the priest's counsel.
✨ Remember: The priest is bound by the seal of confession - nothing you say can be revealed.
Absolution & Penance
The priest extends his hands over you and prays the words of absolution: "I absolve you from your sins in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." You respond: "Amen." The priest gives you a penance to complete.
⏱️ Important: Complete your penance prayer as soon as possible after confession.
How We Administer This Sacrament
Confessions heard before the Saturday Vigil Mass and on weekday evenings
Communal penance services during Advent and Lent with multiple priests
Home visits available for elderly, sick or homebound parishioners
Schedule & Special Services
Frequently Asked Questions
The Church recommends receiving the sacrament of Penance at least once a year, but frequent confession (monthly or even weekly) is encouraged for spiritual growth. Many saints recommended monthly confession as a way to grow in holiness.
If you unintentionally forget to confess a sin, it is still forgiven. However, if you remember a mortal sin that you forgot to confess, you should mention it in your next confession. For peace of mind, you can always include at the end: "For these and all the sins of my past life, I am truly sorry."
Experience God's Mercy
Don't let fear or anxiety keep you from receiving the peace and healing that comes through this beautiful sacrament.