I absolve you….from your sins.
The Catholic Sacrament of Reconciliation (also known as Penance, Confession, or Penance and Reconciliation) has three elements: conversion, confession and celebration. In it we find God’s unconditional forgiveness; as a result we are called to forgive others.
A priest will normally* be available to hear Confessions:
* Be sure to check the parish calendar to verify
A note from Father Martin | March 2021
As we do for life’s big events, we should make time to prepare for Mass as a great celebration. To be prepared for this great feast means to cleanse ourselves from the snares of sin and to receive the sanctifying grace of God through this Sacrament of Healing. Therefore, I see this opportunity to share with you these articles of faith from the Catechism of the Church about what is sin and to make you an invitation to consider coming to the Sacrament of Reconciliation. It is true some parishioners do not approach this Sacrament of Reconciliation for many causes: shame or for lack of knowledge of what is sinfulness. Nevertheless, a great opportunity is here in this time of Lent to be reconciled with God.
It takes some steps. First, it requires one to be aware of our sinfulness. Second, one needs to feel sorry for our sins for having offended God. Finally, one must be willing to promise to change and avoid whatever leads us to sin. How are we going to achieve this? The answer is having a foundation of what is a sin, knowing the great love that God has for us, and wanting our salvation. Please do not take this opportunity for granted.
[From USCCB]Before celebrating the Sacrament of Penance, one should prepare oneself with an examination of conscience, which involves reflecting prayerfully on one’s thoughts, words, and deeds in order to identify any sins.
There are various types of examinations of conscience but regardless of which one you use to prepare yourself for the Sacrament it should be rooted in Scripture; particularly, the Ten Commandments and Beatitudes. HERE are a few examples of Examinations of Conscience that can help you prepare for the Sacrament.
Examination of Conscience based on the Ten Commandments
Examination of Conscience in Light of Catholic Social Teaching I En Español
Examination of Conscience for Children
Examination of Conscience for Young Adults
Examination of Conscience for Single People
Examination of Conscience for Married Persons
Information, videos, and helpful tips on the Sacrament of Reconciliation: http://www.thelightisonforyou.org/
@ St. James Catholic Church
1145 NE 1st St., McMinnville, OR 97128
Some Catholics say that the reason they don’t celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation is because they can’t remember all the steps. Well, the priest will always help you with that, but here is a brief explanation.
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.