Reconciliation

The Sacrament of Reconciliation, also known as the Sacrament of Penance or Confession, is the sacrament which allows us to return the state of our baptism, where we are freed from sin. It is in this sacrament that we find God’s unconditional forgiveness, and as a result we are called to forgive others.

We are encouraged to receive the Sacrament of Penance frequently throughout our lifetime so that we can benefit from the graces we obtain through reception of this sacrament.

The Sacrament of Reconciliation is offered at Sacred Heart Church every Saturday at 4:00 PM.

Or by appointment in the rectory.

What to Expect When You Make Your Next Confession

Here is what to expect when you make your confession. These steps will refresh your mind if you haven’t received the sacrament in a while, whether it hasn’t been for weeks, months, years, or even decades. If this is your first time, this list will walk you through the process.

After reflecting on your actions and relationship with Christ, enter the confessional. You will have a choice of remaining behind the confessional screen or sitting in front of the priest.
Greet the pastor, and reflect on the last time you had been to confession or if you’ve ever been there before. If you can’t remember your last time at confession, just say that. Nothing pleases Christ more than someone who is returning to their faith.
List your sins but also deeply reflect on the consequences of these sins, whether mortal or venial.
Listen to the priest’s advice or concerns regarding the sins you have committed.
Pray the Act of Contrition; This has multiple versions but the most recent is “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.”
Listen to the priest’s prayer which usually will be “God, the Father of mercies, through the death and the resurrection of His Son has reconciled the world to Himself and sent the Holy Spirit among us for the forgiveness of sins; through the ministry of the Church may God give you pardon and peace, and I absolve you from your sins in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.” Accept the penance asked of you by the priest. Usually, this could include saying the Rosary, Our Father, or Hail Mary. Afterward, make the sign of the cross and exit the confessional.
Act upon your desire to not sin and actively repent through actions.

A few thoughts that we can examine before we decide to celebrate the sacrament of Reconciliation.

Do I honor God?
Have I been rebellious of his commands?
Have I cursed or used foul language?
Did I bother to attend Mass?
Have I been disrespectful to my parents?
Did I have temptations or thoughts to harm another or myself?
Have I been a committed partner?
Have I taken anything that doesn’t belong to me?
Have I lied or been dishonest to anyone?
Am I an envious person?

It is important to understand that striving to be a good Catholic comes from within. Through prayer, we can speak to God and ask for His guidance and mentorship. We can also practice gratitude, mindfulness, and keeping Him always present with us.

Sacred Heart of Jesus

Sacred Heart of Jesus

Reconciliation

Sacred Heart of Jesus

Reconciliation

We are encouraged to receive the Sacrament of Penance frequently throughout our lifetime so that we can benefit from the graces we obtain through reception of this sacrament.

The Sacrament of Reconciliation is offered at Sacred Heart Church every Saturday at 4:00 PM.

Or by appointment in the rectory.

What to Expect When You Make Your Next Confession

Here is what to expect when you make your confession. These steps will refresh your mind if you haven’t received the sacrament in a while, whether it hasn’t been for weeks, months, years, or even decades. If this is your first time, this list will walk you through the process.

After reflecting on your actions and relationship with Christ, enter the confessional. You will have a choice of remaining behind the confessional screen or sitting in front of the priest.

Greet the pastor, and reflect on the last time you had been to confession or if you’ve ever been there before. If you can’t remember your last time at confession, just say that. Nothing pleases Christ more than someone who is returning to their faith.

List your sins but also deeply reflect on the consequences of these sins, whether mortal or venial.

Listen to the priest’s advice or concerns regarding the sins you have committed.

Act upon your desire to not sin and actively repent through actions.

A few thoughts that we can examine before we decide to celebrate the sacrament of Reconciliation.

Do I honor God?

Have I been rebellious of his commands?

Have I cursed or used foul language?

Did I bother to attend Mass?

Have I been disrespectful to my parents?

Did I have temptations or thoughts to harm another or myself?

Have I been a committed partner?

Have I taken anything that doesn’t belong to me?

Have I lied or been dishonest to anyone?

Am I an envious person?

It is important to understand that striving to be a good Catholic comes from within. Through prayer, we can speak to God and ask for His guidance and mentorship. We can also practice gratitude, mindfulness, and keeping Him always present with us.

Sacred Heart of Jesus