Reconciliation
Also known as the Sacrament of Confession
In the Sacrament of Confession, we celebrate God's mercy and forgiveness. If we have sinned mortally, we are reunited with the Church, and given the grace to persevere through our trials and temptations in this life. All Catholics are encouraged to go frequently to Confession but are required by the Precepts of the Church to make at least one Confession a year.
Through our baptism, we've accepted God's invitation to become His sons and daughters, heirs of Heaven. As children of God, we're called to become holy (Leviticus 11:45) and perfect (Matthew 5:48). This can seem like a tall order! Only by the grace of God is this possible. God knew we would make mistakes, fall into temptation, and sin even after the cleansing waters of our baptism. We are human after all... This is where His love and mercy come to us through confession. He does not call us here to condemn, but to save us and free us (Luke 5:32)!
If we know this is true, why do some delay going to confession? A lot of times, we can feel burdened by confessing the same, repetitive sins over and over, wondering if we're even being forgiven. We feel ashamed, embarrassed, and confused. Contrary to how we feel sometimes, Confession is a place of victory.
How to go to Confession
- Prepare: Begin in prayer; reflect on your life since your last confession... Ask yourself, "How am I holier this time than the last time I celebrated the sacrament?" Here's a very thorough examination of conscience.
- Greeting: The priest will welcome you.
- The Sign of the Cross: Together, make the Sign of the Cross. Then, you may begin your confession by saying something like this, “Bless me, Father, for I have sinned. It has been [give days, months, or years] since my last confession.”
- Confession: Confess all of your sins to the priest. If you are unsure of what to do or say, ask the priest for guidance!
- Penance: When you're finished, the priest will propose an act of penance. An act of penance could be a prayer, work of mercy or charity. He might also offer you some counseling on how to better live a Christian life.
- Act of Contrition: While expressing sorrow for your sins and resolving to sin no more, pray an act of contrition.
- Absolution: The priest will extend his hands over your head and pronounce the words of absolution. You respond, “Amen.”
- Dismissal: The priest will conclude the sacrament, often saying, “Go in peace.”
St. Joseph, Pillar of Families Confession Times
| St. Michael Confession Times | |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 5:00-5:45PM |
| Saturday | 3:00-3:45PM |
| Sunday | 10:15-10:45AM |
| Holy Angel Confession Times | |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 5:00-6:00PM |
| Wednesday | 12:00-1:00PM |
| Saturday | 3:15-4:15PM |
| Sunday | 8:30-9:00AM |
| 1st Friday | 4:00-5:00PM |
| Sts. Peter & Paul Confession Times | |
|---|---|
| Thursday before 1st Friday | 4:30-5:30PM |
| Sacred Heart of Jesus Confession Times | |
|---|---|
| Thursday | 6:00-6:50PM |
| Saturday | 3:30-4:30PM |
| Sunday | 7:15-7:45AM |
| Sunday | 9:15-9:45AM |