Reconciliation

confessional

Confession is not difficult, but it does require preparation. We should begin with prayer, placing ourselves in the presence of God, our loving Father. We seek healing and forgiveness through repentance and a resolve to sin no more. Then we review our lives since our last confession, searching our thoughts, words and actions for that which did not conform to God’s command to love Him and one another through His laws and the laws of His Church. This is called an examination of conscience.

To make an examination of conscience:

Begin with a prayer asking for God’s help. Review your life with the help of some questions, which are based on the 10 Commandments. Tell God how truly sorry you are for your sins. Make a firm resolution not to sin again.

Rite of Reconciliation

Reconciliation may be face-to-face or anonymous, with a screen between you and the priest. Choose the option that is the most comfortable for you.

  1. The priest gives you a blessing or greeting.
  2. 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).
  3. 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.
  4. Following your confession of sins, say: “I am sorry for these and all of my sins.”
  5. The priest assigns you a penance and offers advice to help you be a better Catholic.
  6. Say an Act of Contrition, expressing your sorrow for your sins. The priest, acting in the person of Christ, then absolves you from your sins.
Act of Contrition

Oh 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, do penance, and to amend my life. Amen.

 Reconciliation At St Stephen, Martyr:
Confession available Saturday 3:30 PM-4:00 PM (Before Mass)
First Saturday of the Month 8:30 AM-9:00 AM (Before Mass)