"Those who approach the sacrament of Penance obtain pardon from God's mercy for the offense committed against him, and are, at the same time, reconciled with the Church which they have wounded by their sins and which by charity, by example, and by prayer labors for their conversion. "
Catechism of the Catholic Church 1422
Reconciliation Times
The Sacrament of Reconciliation takes place in the Reconciliation rooms located in the Day Chapel, on Tuesdays at 6:00 pm and Saturdays at 3:30 pm. Appointments can also be arranged with a priest if needed.
Communal Penance Services are offered during Lent and Advent.
Confession: A How-to Guide
Has it been a while since your last confession? Are you a baptized Catholic who has never been to confession? It is possible. No matter how long – fifty years – or never, now is the time to return to this simple and beautiful sacrament of forgiveness.
Has it been a while since your last confession? Are you a baptized Catholic who has never been to confession? It is possible. No matter how long – fifty years – or never, now is the time to return to this simple and beautiful sacrament of forgiveness.
Prepare for confession through an examination of conscience.
In the confessional, you can choose to kneel in privacy or talk face-to-face with the priest.
Begin with the sign of the cross, and “Bless me, Father, for I have sinned, it has been ____ years since my last confession” or “This is my first confession.” Your priest will be happy to have you back or to hear your first confession. He can guide you through confessing your sins. If you are unsure, uneasy, or ashamed, ask the priest to help. End with “For these and all my sins I am truly sorry.”
The priest will offer spiritual guidance, give you a penance, and invite you to pray an Act of Contrition: "O my 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, to do penance, and amend my life. Amen."
The priest will extend his hand and give you Absolution. Make the Sign of the Cross and conclude by saying Amen. He will dismiss you with “Go in peace”.
After leaving the reconciliation room, complete your penance and spend time giving thanks to God for His love and forgiveness. Welcome Back!
First Reconciliation
For information about children receiving First Reconciliation, contact Tanya Martinez