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The Sacrament of Reconciliation, also called Confession or Penance is a beautiful, healing Sacrament. Not only does this sacrament free us from our sins but it also challenges us to have the same kind of compassion and forgiveness for those who sin against us. We are liberated to be forgivers. We obtain new insight into the words of the Prayer of St. Francis: "It is in pardoning that we are pardoned."
Jesus entrusted the ministry of reconciliation to the Church. The Sacrament of Penance is God's gift to us so that any sin committed after Baptism can be forgiven. In confession we have the opportunity to repent and recover the grace of friendship with God. It is a holy moment in which we place ourselves in his presence and honestly acknowledge our sins, especially mortal sins. With absolution, we are reconciled to God and the Church. The Sacrament helps us stay close to the truth that we cannot live without God. "In him we live and move and have our being" (Acts 17:28).
~from the United States Catholic Catechism for Adults
You can celebrate Reconciliation at St. Ann's:
- Any Saturday from 3:15pm-3:45pm in the Reconciliation Room inside the Blessed Sacrament Chapel.
- This Advent we will host a Communal Reconciliation Service at St. Ann's at 7:00pm on Wednesday, Dec. 3rd.
- A communal celebration begins with a brief celebration of the Liturgy of the Word
- at St. Ann's, we then read an Examination of Conscience to help you prepare for your Confession
- Several priests from around the diocese will be available to hear your private confession.
- You are free to leave once you are done.
CONFESSION IN 5 STEPS
Wanting to go to confession but don't know how? Here's the 5 easy steps in receiving the sacrament of Confession.
STEP 1: Make a thorough examination of conscience by reflecting on sin in your life.
STEP 2: Begin by making the sign of the cross as you say: 'Bless me father for I have sinned. It has been (time) since my last confession. These are my sins. (Begin stating your sins.)
STEP 3: The priest will give you your penance. (Something to do after your confession)
STEP 4: The priest will ask you to pray the Act of Contrition to proclaim your sorrow to your sins.
STEP 5: The priest will extend his hands and pray the Prayer of Absolution. Your response is AMEN. The priest will then give you a final blessing like: 'God has freed you from your sins. Go in peace.'
Why should I go?
Jesus deeply desires a personal relationship with each one of us. He has shown us the love of the Father so that we may live in His peace and grace forever. God wants us to choose Him! But in our humanity, we often do and say things that turn us away from Him. Jesus wants to mend our relationship with Him, but He needs us to say ‘yes.’ Click here for four witness videos from people who faced their fears and celebrated Confession.