The sacrament of Reconciliation imparts to the sinner the love of God who reconciles. He who lives by God's merciful love is ready to respond to the Lord's call: "Go; first be reconciled to your brother." It is called the sacrament of confession, since the disclosure or confession of sins to a priest is an essential element of this sacrament. In a profound sense it is also a "confession" - acknowledgment and praise - of the holiness of God and of his mercy toward sinful man. It is also called the sacrament of forgiveness, since by the priest's sacramental absolution God grants the penitent "pardon and peace."
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.
The sacrament of Reconciliation is offered weekly on Saturday afternoons from 3:30 – 4:30 PM. In addition, the sacrament can always be arranged by appointment. To schedule Reconciliation, speak with a parish priest.
At certain special times of the year, St. Patrick Parish celebrates a Community Reconciliation service. Check our Special Celebrations calendar to find upcoming opportunities.
As Catholics, we are called to recognize sin in our everyday actions, speech and omissions, have sorrow for our downfalls, and tirelessly work to correct our character flaws. A good Reconciliation requires a thorough and honest examination of conscience, coming before a minister of the sacrament, expressing sincere sorrow for sin, making an act of contrition, receiving absolution and completing a penance.
Original Sin: The pattern of human behavior that has resulted in weakened human nature. We all have this type of sin by birth, and our Original Sin is washed away by the waters of Baptism.
Venial Sin: An offense against God that weakens the presence of Grace and damages our relationship with the Lord. Though still damaging to our souls and to those around us, venial sins are less severe than those that are mortal.
Mortal Sin: A deadly offense against God, a mortal sin destroys the grace within and severs our relationship with God. Mortal sins are very serious, must be done with understanding of the act and must be done by an individual who has the ability to will the actions freely.
Have true sorrow for your sins. Rejecting your sins with a contrite heart and resolving not to commit them again are the essential acts of penance. Your sorrow and intentions to improve should be heartfelt. This does not mean that you are promising to never fall into sin again. Rather, it signifies your intention to put forth your best effort to rectify your life.
Before entering the confessional, you should examine your past behavior since your last confession. A good outline for a thorough examination of conscience includes the 10 Commandments and the Precepts of the Church. Use this guide to examine your conscience.
If you have not received the sacrament of Reconciliation for an extended period of time, or are new to the experience and need assistance, simply ask the priest. He will happily guide you through each step, from introduction to the Act of Contrition and absolution. Here are six easy steps to guide you through the sacrament:
You may kneel at the screen, out of the vision of the priest, or choose to sit before the priest face-to-face.
After confession, kneel in the church, thanking God for forgiving you with mercy and love. If you realize that you forgot to confess a sin, know that it has been forgiven and confess it in your next confession. If you were given prayers for Penance, reverently say them.
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. Amen.
For more information regarding Reconciliation, access the Catechism of the Catholic Church here.