Penance and Reconciliation

The Catholic Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation has three elements: conversion, confession and celebration. In it we find God's unconditional forgiveness, and as a result we are called to forgive others.

In this sacrament, the outward sign is the absolution, or forgiveness of sins, that the priest grants to the penitent (the person confessing his or her sins); the inward grace is the reconciliation of the penitent to God.   To receive the sacrament worthily, three things are required of the penitent:

1. To be contrite—or, in other words, sorry for his or her sins.
2. To confess those sins fully, in kind and in number.
3. To be willing to do penance and make amends for his or her sins.

Catholics only required to go to Confession when they are aware that they have committed a mortal sin.  However, the Church strongly recommends that, in preparation for fulfilling our Easter Duty to receive communion, we go to Confession even if we are aware only of venial sin.

At Saint Mary's, the sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation is held on Saturdays, one hour before the schedule Mass time, and at 2 annual services, held on the 5th Sunday of Lent and 2nd Sunday of Advent.  Those in immediate need of confession can make an appointment through the parish office.  

Children in the Religious Education program receive the sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation for the first time at our Advent Penance and Reconciliation service. 

For additional information, see Penance & Reconciliation Preparation page

(Traditional)

O MY GOD, I am heartily sorry for having offended Thee,
and I detest all my sins because I dread the loss of Heaven and the pains of Hell;
but most of all because they offend Thee, my God,
Who art all-good and deserving of all my love.
 
I firmly resolve, with the help of Thy grace,
  to confess my sins,
  to do penance,
  and to amend my life.

Amen.

(Modern)

Loving God,
I know that you love me,
And I want to love you too. 
I am sorry I have sinned. 
Help me to do better and to
Grow in your love so that I will be more
Like Jesus, my brother. 

Amen.