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Confession

“While he was still at a distance, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him” (Luke 15:20).

No matter if you go to confession regularly, or haven’t been in years the Father is longing to run to you and welcome you home.

Opportunities for Confession

Saturdays 3:00-4:30 pm, Thursdays after 6:30 pm Holy Hour, or call the office during weekday office hours for an appointment.

First Confession

Children who are at least seven years old may prepare to celebrate the Sacrament of Confession for the first time. Formation begins before first reception of the Eucharist.

How to go to Confession

Examination of Conscience

Before celebrating the Sacrament of Confession, one should prepare themselves with an examination of conscience.  An examination of conscience is a “prayerful self-reflection on our words and deeds in the light of the Gospel to determine how we may have sinned against God” — Glossary, The Catechism of the Catholic Church.

Act of Contrition

O my God, I am heartily sorry for having offended Thee, and I detest all my sins because of Thy just punishments, but most of all because they offend Thee, my God, Who art all-good and deserving of all my love. I firmly resolve, with the help of Thy grace, to sin no more and to avoid the near occasions of sin.

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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. 

Precepts of the Church

1. You shall attend Mass on Sundays and on holy days of obligation and rest from servile labor. 

We must “sanctify the day commemorating the Resurrection of the Lord” (Sunday), as well as the principal feast days, known as Catholic holy days of obligation. This requires attending Mass, “and by resting from those works and activities which could impede such a sanctification of these days.”

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2. You shall confess your sins at least once a year. 

We must prepare for the Eucharist by means of the Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession). This sacrament “continues Baptism’s work of conversion and forgiveness.”

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3. You shall receive the sacrament of the Eucharist at least during the Easter season. 

This “guarantees as a minimum the reception of the Lord’s Body and Blood in connection with the Paschal feasts, the origin and center of the Christian liturgy.”

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4. You shall observe the days of fasting and abstinence established by the Church. 

“The fourth precept ensures the times of ascesis and penance which prepare us for the liturgical feasts and help us acquire mastery over our instincts and freedom of heart.” 

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5. You shall help to provide for the needs of the Church. 

“The fifth precept means that the faithful are obliged to assist with the material needs of the Church, each according to his own ability.”

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Always remember: the precepts of the Catholic Church are minimum levels of participation in the life of the Church. Out of love for Christ and a desire to advance in the spiritual life, you will normally try to do far more than they require.

Many people recommend that Catholics:

  • Attend Mass at least one more time a week, in addition to Sunday.

  • Go to confession at least once a month, and find a regular confessor so he can give you better guidance.

  • Find a good spiritual director to give you sound guidance for growing in the spiritual life.

  • Receive the sacrament of the Eucharist at every Mass, if you meet the guidelines for reception (are free from mortal sin, etc.).

  • Make a habit of practicing penitential and charitable acts beyond those required by the precepts of the Catholic Church.

  • Contribute as much as possible to the material needs of the Church and the needy.

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