Reconciliation   

Confession is available prior to Saturday Vigil Mass and anytime by appointment.
Holy Spirit Church: 3:00pm-3:45pm
Saint Mary Church: 3:15pm-3:45pm 

"Those who approach the sacrament of Penance obtain pardon from God's mercy for the offense committed against him, and are, at the same time, reconciled with the Church which they have wounded by their sins and which by charity, by example, and by prayer labors for their conversion."
Catechism of the Catholic Church 1422

How To Make A Good Confession

First Reconciliation

Click HERE for an Examination of Conscience

1. You always have the option to go to confession anonymously, that is, behind a screen or face to face, if you so desire.

2. After the priest greets you in the name of Christ, make the sign of the cross. He may choose to recite a reading from Scripture, after which you say: "Bless me Father for I have sinned. It has been (state how long) since my last confession. These are my sins."

3. Tell your sins simply and honestly to the priest. You might even want to discuss the circumstances and the root causes of your sins and ask the priest for advice or direction.

4. Listen to the advice the priest gives you and accept the penance from him. Then make an Act of Contrition for your sins.

5. The priest will then dismiss you with the words of praise: "Give thanks to the Lord for He is good. You respond: "For His mercy endures forever." The priest will then conclude with:"The Lord has freed you from your sins. Go in peace." And you respond by saying: "Thanks be to God."

6. Spend some time with Our Lord thanking and praising Him for the gift of His mercy. Try to perform your penance as soon as possible.

PRAYER BEFORE CONFESSION
O most merciful God! Prostrate at your feet, I implore your forgiveness. I sincerely desire to leave all my evil ways and to confess my sins with all sincerity to you and to your priest. I am a sinner, have mercy on me, O Lord. Give me a lively faith and a firm hope in the Passion of my Redeemer. Give me, for your mercy´s sake a sorrow for having offended so good a God. Mary, my mother, refuge of sinners, pray for me that I may make a good confession. Amen.

AN ACT OF CONTRITION 
Oh 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. Amen.

Before you enter the Reconciliation Room, Examine your Conscience (Think) to find the sins you have committed /done. Enter the Reconciliation Room.
 
Father welcomes you to the Reconciliation Room.
 
Together with Father: In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. AMEN.
 
Father: You have come here today to tell God that you are sorry for what you have done wrong and that you will try to do better. It is now time for you to ask for God’s forgiveness.
 
You will pray: Father forgive me. I have sinned. This is my First Confession. I am a boy/girl and I am 7 / 8 years old. These are my sins…..
 
Father: I am glad that you have realized that what you did was wrong. To make up for what you have done wrong you should do this penance. (Saying a prayer or doing an act of goodness).
 
You will pray:  To tell God you are sorry you will pray: “The Act of Contrition”
                         O My God
                     I am sorry for my sins,
                     In choosing to sin,
                    And failing to do good,
                     I have sinned against You
                    And Your Church.
                     I firmly intend,
                    With the help of Your Son,
                     To make up for my sins
                     And to love as I should. AMEN. 
 
Father: Gives you absolution (Forgiveness): I absolve you from your sins in the name of the father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Give thanks to the Lord for He is Good. Go in Peace.
 
You: Amen. Thank you Father.
You then leave the Reconciliation Room and do your Penance.