Reconciliation: A channel of God's mercy

About Reconciliation

Not only does the 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

Preparation before Reconciliation 

Consider how you have sinned prior to speaking to the priest. Here are some examinations of conscience you may choose to use, or click here for more options.

• Based on Catholic Social Teaching: tinyurl.com/yc2y55fs
• For family members (children, teens, adults): tinyurl.com/4ute5ehz
• Based on 1 Corinthians 13:1-7: tinyurl.com/mr28ath2

Rite of Reconciliation 

• Make the sign of the cross and say, “Bless me Father, for I have sinned.” Then tell him how long it’s been since your last confession (weeks, months, years). 
• Confess your sins. (If you’d like to have a discussion with the priest, please call and make an appointment so you have time for conversation. Visit st-ann.org/our-staff for contact information.) 
• After listing your sins, say, “I am sorry for these and all of my sins.” 
• The priest will assign a penance and offer any advice he feels with help you draw closer to God. 
• Say an act of contrition. 
• The priest will absolve you of your sins, acting in the person of Christ. 
• Thank the priest and depart. 

Act of contrition 

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. 

If you are ill or not ready to have a in-person encounter, Pope Francis stated that you can still go to God directly, be specific about your sins, request pardon and experience God's loving forgiveness. Read more here.