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1422 Those who approach the sacrament of Penance, confession, 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 

Has it been a while since you went to confession?  We are all sinners, and all of us need God's mercy and forgiveness. We (the friar priests here at St. Paul Parish) promise to follow the example of the merciful father in the Canticle of the Prodigal Son and humbly welcome you back. 

Here is an Examination of Conscience recommended by Fr. Joe, and here is a similar Examination that is appropriate for children.

 

From parables like the Prodigal Son and the Pharisee and the Publican, to Christ uttering the words, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they are doing,” before his death, we come to understand just how important seeking forgiveness is to our faith. 

As Catholics, we are called to partake in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. But for many, the confessional can be an intimidating place, and one that raises some questions. Why should we confess our sins to a priest, when we can pray to God and ask for forgiveness? 

The truth is that when we commit a sin, no matter how minor or mortal, we not only break our bond with God, we break our bond with the entire community of faith that is the Body of Christ. So, when we participate in the Sacrament of Confession, we restore that bond between God and the community, since the priest both represents the community and acts as an intercessor between us and God. 

Even with all of this in mind, we’re still only human, and we have very human fears. Will the priest judge me? What if he scolds me the way my second-grade teacher did when I pushed that kid on the playground? Wait, how do I even make a decent confession? And what’s penance all about? Confession ought to be a liberating experience, and we can help you leave the confessional feeling strong and confident in your restored relationship with God and the community.

Busted Halo has put together a Guide to Confession, which explains the Sacrament’s steps so you know what to expect. If it puts you at ease, feel free to print this guide and bring it with you to the confessional!

Click here to download a printer-friendly version of this infographic.