The Sacrament of Reconciliation
The Sacrament of Reconciliation, also known as Confession or Penance, is a beautiful opportunity to experience the mercy and forgiveness of Jesus Christ.
Through Confession, we acknowledge our sins, express our sorrow, receive absolution, and are reconciled with God and with the Church. Christ continually calls us back to Himself, offering us the grace to turn away from sin and begin again.
The Sacrament of Reconciliation is a gift of God’s mercy. It gives us the opportunity to bring our sins before the Lord, receive His forgiveness, and move forward with renewed hearts.
Whether you receive the sacrament regularly or are returning after many years, you are always welcome.
Confession Schedule
The Sacrament of Reconciliation is regularly available each Saturday.
Our Lady of Pompeii Church
3:00 – 3:30 PM
St. Vincent de Paul Church
4:00 – 4:30 PM
Additional opportunities for Confession may be offered during Advent, Lent, Holy Week, and other special times throughout the year. Please consult the weekly bulletin for the most current schedule.
Why Do We Go to Confession?
As Catholics, we believe that God’s mercy is always greater than our sins. When we recognize that we have fallen short, Christ invites us to return to Him rather than remain separated from Him.
Confession allows us to honestly acknowledge where we have sinned and to receive the forgiveness Christ offers through His Church. It is an opportunity to repair our relationship with God, seek healing, and receive the grace we need to continue growing in faith.
The sacrament also reminds us that God’s mercy is not something we earn. It is a gift freely offered to us when we sincerely turn back to Him.
Preparing for Confession
Before going to Confession, take some time for prayer and an examination of conscience. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you recognize the ways in which you have fallen short in your relationship with God and with others.
Think honestly about your prayer life, your relationships, your words, your responsibilities, and the choices you have made. Consider not only the things you have done, but also the good you may have failed to do.
Come with a sincere heart, a willingness to acknowledge your sins, and a desire to turn back toward God. Confession is not about dwelling on our failures. It is about receiving God’s mercy and beginning again.
Going to Confession
If it has been a long time since your last Confession, or if you are simply unsure what to do, do not worry. The priest will guide you through the sacrament.
You may begin by making the Sign of the Cross and saying:
“Bless me, Father, for I have sinned. It has been ___ since my last Confession.”
You then confess your sins honestly and sincerely and listen to the guidance of the priest.
The priest may offer encouragement or spiritual guidance before inviting you to make an Act of Contrition. You will then receive absolution, through which Christ offers forgiveness through the ministry of the Church.
You do not need to have everything memorized or know exactly what to say. Simply be honest and allow the priest to help you.
What If I Am Nervous?
Everyone is nervous sometimes, especially when doing something that matters. Being nervous can mean that you care about your relationship with God and want to make a sincere Confession.
Do not let that nervousness keep you from coming. The priest understands that many people feel this way, especially when returning after a long time. You are not expected to have everything perfect.
You can also come to Confession knowing that what you confess is completely confidential. The priest is bound by the sacramental seal and will never disclose what is said in Confession. What you share remains within the sacrament.
Take a breath, say a prayer, and come as you are. The priest is there to help you encounter God’s mercy, not to judge you.
What If I Do Not Remember the Act of Contrition?
Don’t worry. Most people do not have the prayer perfectly memorized, and that is okay.
You can ask the priest for help, and you can follow along with the prayer during Confession. There is no need to be embarrassed if you do not remember every word.
What matters is sincerely expressing your sorrow for your sins and your desire to return to God. The prayer is there to help you put that sorrow and desire into words.
Act of Contrition Prayer Card
We have prepared an Act of Contrition Prayer Card that you can keep with you, save for later, or bring with you when you go to Confession.
If It Has Been a Long Time
It is never too late to return to the Lord.
If it has been months, years, or even decades since your last Confession, you are welcome to come. You do not need to be embarrassed about how much time has passed, and you do not need to have the entire sacrament memorized.
Simply tell the priest that it has been a long time. He will help you through the process and can answer any questions you may have.
God’s mercy is always greater than our sins, and the Lord is always ready to welcome us home.
After Confession
After receiving the sacrament, take a moment to thank God for His mercy and forgiveness.
Complete the penance given by the priest and carry the grace of the sacrament into your daily life. Confession gives us the opportunity not only to leave our sins behind, but also to continue growing in our relationship with Christ.
A renewed life of prayer, charity, and faith can help us remain close to God and avoid the situations that may lead us back into sin.
First Confession
First Confession, also called First Reconciliation, is an important part of a child’s preparation for First Holy Communion.
Through sacramental preparation, children are introduced to the mercy of God and learn how to approach the Sacrament of Reconciliation with understanding and confidence.
Information about First Confession preparation, scheduling, and the First Communion process can be found on our First Communion page.
Learn More About First Communion
A Sacrament of God’s Mercy
The Sacrament of Reconciliation is an invitation to return to Christ, receive His forgiveness, and continue our journey of faith with renewed hearts.
Whatever your circumstances or however long it has been since your last Confession, the door is always open. Christ calls us back with love and mercy.
Come and experience the mercy of God.