“To return to communion with God after having lost it through sin is a process born of the grace of God who is rich in mercy and solicitous for the salvation of men” (Catechism of the Catholic Church [CCC], 1489).
The Sacrament of Reconciliation, also called Confession, has several important parts. We must feel true sorrow for our sins (contrition), confess them honestly to the priest, and have a real desire to change our ways. The priest, who represents the Church and acts in the person of Christ, listens, gives guidance, and offers absolution, which is the forgiveness of sins.
To celebrate this sacrament well, we need to come before God with openness and humility. This means taking time beforehand to examine our lives carefully and recognize where we have failed in love for God and others. Then, during confession, we speak these sins out loud to the priest. Through absolution, Christ forgives us and restores us to grace, but forgiveness does not automatically undo all the harm caused by our sins. Because of this, the priest gives us a penance, often in the form of prayers, good works, or acts of charity, so that we can make amends, begin to repair the damage done, and grow stronger in our relationship with God.
How to go to Confession
Before confession, we prepare by examining our conscience. This means thinking about our actions and asking ourselves questions to see where we have sinned. For example…
- Have I kept God in my thoughts and prayed regularly?
- Have I neglected to confess any serious sins?
- Have I missed Mass on Sundays or holy days without a valid reason?
- Do I follow the basic teachings and rules of the Church?
- Have I spoken God’s name with disrespect?
- Do I include God in my everyday life?
- Have I obeyed my parents or guardians?
- Are there habits in my life that I need to change?
- Have I been unkind or fought with family or friends?
- Have I intentionally hurt anyone?
- Have I tried to help those who needed my support?
- Have I chosen to do things I knew were wrong?
- Have I shared with family, friends, or others in need?
- Am I patient, understanding, and kind toward others?
- Have I told lies or been dishonest?
- Am I truly sorry when I hurt others?
- Have I taken anything that does not belong to me?
- Do I respect other people’s belongings and property?
- Have I helped people who are less fortunate than I am?
- Do I try to serve others joyfully and generously?
What is the process?
- The priest greets me.
- Making the sign of the cross say, “Bless me Father, for I have sinned.” Say, “It has been
- (how long?) since my last confession, and these are my sins: (confess your sins) or simply say
- how long it has been since your last confession..
- The priest then says a short prayer to help me have trust in God. I say, “Amen”.
- The priest may then read a selection from the Bible to help me think of God’s love and
- forgiveness.
- I tell my sins to the priest—all that I have done wrong.
- I tell God I am sorry by saying an Act of Contrition.
- The priest gives me penance to help make up for my faults and sins.
- The priest says the prayer of absolution. I say, “Amen”.
- Right after absolution, the priest says, “Give thanks to the Lord for He is good”.
- I say, “His Mercy endures forever.”
- The priest then says, “Go in Peace” or “God bless you”. I say, “Thank you, Father”.
- Then I leave and go to do my penance.
(Catechism of the Catholic Church [CCC]).
Confessions at Holy Trinity are on Wednesday through Friday from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, and on Saturday at 3:30 PM.
