Reconciliation

How to go to Confession

 Going to confession can feel intimidating at first, but most people leave with a sense of relief, freedom, and a lighter heart.

At St. John’s, weekly confessions are held in the Divine Mercy Chapel/Cry Room, located off the narthex on the right. A lit cross above the door indicates that a priest is available. Please check that no one else is in the confessional with the priest before entering, as others may be waiting in the pews.

Inside the confessional, you may choose to kneel behind the screen for anonymity or sit across from the priest. Begin with, “Bless me, Father, for I have sinned,” and let the priest know how long it has been since your last confession. Then, confess your sins, including any not previously confessed. There’s no need for unnecessary details—simply acknowledge your sins, especially serious ones.

Confession is not intended for long conversations. If you need more time, you can schedule a private appointment through the parish office.

After your confession, the priest will guide you through prayers for forgiveness and ask you to make a sincere Act of Contrition, completing this healing sacrament.

“Oh my God I am heartily sorry for having offended you and I detest all my sins because of your just punishment but mostly because they offend You, my God who are all good and deserving of my love. I firmly resolve with the help of your grace, to sin no more and to avoid the near occasion of sin. Amen.”

(The Act of Contrition has a few different forms. If this is not the one you learned, don’t worry. Use the one you learned.)

     As you are praying the Act of Contrition or right afterwards, the priest will bestow upon you the forgiveness of Christ. Note: it is not the priest who forgives your sins but Jesus himself, working through the priest.

     The priest will give you a penance to say. If the penance is a form of prayer, please leave the confessional after thanking the priest and sit or kneel in a pew and say your penance reverently. If your penance is an action (pulling weeds, apologizing to someone, repaying what was stolen, etc.) complete it within the next few days so that you do not forget.