EXPERIENCE PEACE AND LOVE: If you haven’t been to Confession in a while, the Catholic Church wants to welcome you back, and invites you to participate in this beautiful sacrament of healing. Take a step in faith. You’ll be surprised about how free you feel after taking part in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. So many Catholics describe incredible feelings of peace, joy, relief, and love that they never expected. Jesus is calling you to experience His mercy in this way too.
Confession Schedule
"Those who have been far away from the Sacrament of Reconciliation and forgiving love I make this appeal: come back to this source of grace; Do not be afraid! Christ himself is waiting for you. He will heal youand you will beat peace with God."
-John Paul II: September 13, 1987: San Antonio, Texas
Sin separates us not only from God, but from His family, the Church. In this beautiful sacrament, the person experiences a healing encounter with Jesus Christ. We receive the Lord’s abundant mercy, healing and grace, which are infinite, and are given the strength to resist future temptation. Nothing we have done, or could do, can ever separate us from experiencing God’s forgiveness through this sacrament. Christ commissioned the Apostles to forgive sins when he said: "Whose sins you shall forgive they are forgiven. Whose sins you shall retain, they are retained" (John 20:23). At Ordination, our priests receive this same capacity to free us from our sins. The priest, In Persona Christi, represents the whole community of the faithful with whom we are also being reconciled. Catholics are required to receive this sacrament once a year. Especially appropriate times are Advent and Lent, which are penitential seasons; however, this sacrament may be received as often as necessary. Any Catholic who is aware of serious sin should receive this sacrament before receiving Holy Communion.
The Essential Rite of Reconciliation
There are four parts to the Sacrament of Reconciliation.Examination of Conscience
Before the Sacrament of Penance, each individual should examine his/her conscience by asking him/herself these questions.Prayer Before Confession
O Lord, grant me light to see myself as you see me and the grace to be truly sorry for my sins. O Mary, help me to make a good confession.Making Your Confession