Reconciliation / Confession
“On the evening of that day, the first day of the week,” Jesus showed himself to his apostles. “He breathed on them, and said to them: ‘Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained” (Jn 20:19, 22-23).
The forgiveness of sins committed after Baptism is conferred by a particular sacrament called the sacrament of conversion, confession, penance, or reconciliation. To the eyes of faith no evil is graver than sin and nothing has worse consequences for sinners themselves, for the Church, and for the whole world.
To return to communion with God after having lost it through sin is a process born of the grace of God who is rich in mercy and solicitous for our salvation. One must ask for this precious gift for oneself and for others. The movement of return to God, called conversion and repentance, entails sorrow for and abhorrence of sins committed, and the firm purpose of sinning no more in the future.”
At St. John’s
A priest is in the confessional room, located in the upper church at St. John’s, every Saturday from 3:00-3:30 p.m., except Holy Saturday. We also have periodic Communal Services of Penance when we gather to pray together and have individual confessions with a variety of priests.
Can I go to confession at times outside of the regular schedule?
Yes. Please call the Parish Center to arrange a time with one of the priests. If you have been away from the sacrament for a long time, he can help you.
What do I need to do to make a good confession?
Take some time beforehand to review your life and identify any sins you have committed. Any serious sins you recall should be confessed with repentance and a sincere sorrow for sin. The priest will give you a penance, which is a prayer or act that allows you to show your repentance. There is a brief prayer, an act of contrition that expresses your sorrow for sin. The priest concludes by giving you pardon/absolution.
