About Confession
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Not only does it [the Sacrament of Penance] 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).
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Pray
Learn
- Explore the USCCA to learn about the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation and its impact on the individual and the life of the Church.
- God's Gift of Forgiveness: A Pastoral Exhortation on the Sacrament of Penance & Reconciliation
- The Four Steps of the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation
- Why Should I Confess My Sins to a Priest?
Act
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How To Go To Confession
Before Confession
- Examine your conscience by reflecting on your sins.
- Tips for making a good confession:
- Don’t be too general (like, “I haven’t been a good person”), but a lot of detail isn’t necessary either (you don’t need to tell the whole story of how a sin came about).
- If you’re not sure if something is a sin, just ask the priest.
- This isn’t counseling, so unless you ask, the priest likely won’t give you advice.
During Confession
- Begin: “In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Bless me Father for I have sinned. It has been [length of time] since my last confession. These are my sins…”
- When you finish: The priest will suggest something for you to do or pray (penance) as a response to God’s mercy. Remember what it is, because you’ll have to do it after the confession is over.
- The priest will then ask you to pray the Act of Contrition out loud, demonstrating your sorrow for your sins:
- "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 Saviour Jesus Christ suffered and died for us. In his name, my God, have mercy. Amen."
- When you finish, the priest will extend his hands in your direction and pray the Prayer of Absolution. You respond “Amen.”
- The priest will then likely say “God has freed you from your sins. Go in peace.”
- You can respond “Thanks be to God.”
After Confession
- Don’t forget to do your penance. If it’s saying certain prayers, it’s best to do it right away in the church before you forget.
Other Confession Resources:
(from https://www.archtoronto.org/confession/)
Examination of Conscience
Click on the links below to view the Confession Guide and Examination of Conscience in your own language.
For Adults
For Youth
Resources:
About the Sacrament
Frequently Asked Questions about Confessions
When is the Sacrament available at Our Lady of Hope?
Confession Times are 3:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Saturday afternoon's or by appointment.