Reconciliation

Reconciliation

✝️ Reconciliation

In the Sacrament of Reconciliation—also known as Confession or Penance—we experience God’s boundless mercy and healing love. This sacrament allows us to turn away from sin and be renewed in Christ. As Jesus said to His Apostles, “Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them” (John 20:21–23). Through the Church and her priests, this gift of forgiveness continues today.

Whether it has been a few weeks or many years, we invite you to come and encounter the grace and peace that flow from this sacrament.

📖 Who Can Receive Reconciliation?

  • Adults who wish to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation for the first time are encouraged to enroll in our RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults) program.
  • Children in our St. Joseph School or Faith Formation program receive preparation for their First Reconciliation typically in second grade, prior to receiving First Holy Communion.
  • If you have not yet received this sacrament, or it has been a long time, we welcome you to come home to God’s merciful embrace.

🕊️ Watch this video to understand the beauty of Reconciliation:
What is Confession?

🙏 How to Go to Confession

If you haven’t been to Confession in a while, don’t worry. The following guide is here to help you feel more at ease:

  1. Enter the confessional and choose to kneel behind the screen or sit face-to-face.
  2. Begin with the Sign of the Cross.
  3. Say:
    “Bless me, Father, for I have sinned. This is my first confession,”
    or
    “It has been [length of time] since my last confession.”
  4. Confess your sins to the priest sincerely and honestly.
  5. When you are finished, say:
    “I am sorry for these and all my sins.”
  6. The priest may offer spiritual counsel and will assign you a penance.
  7. Say your Act of Contrition (see below).
  8. The priest will grant absolution, saying the words that forgive your sins.
  9. He will say, “Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good.”
    You respond: “His mercy endures forever.”
  10. Say, “Thank you, Father,” and leave the confessional.
  11. Complete the penance assigned to you.

🕊️ Act of Contrition

My God, I am sorry for my sins with all my heart.
In choosing to do wrong and failing to do good, I have sinned against you whom I should love above all things.
I firmly intend, with your help, to do penance, to sin no more, and to avoid whatever leads me to sin.
Our Savior Jesus Christ suffered and died for us.
In His name, my God, have mercy.