Penance

“And Jesus said: ‘Neither do I condemn you. Go on your way, and from now on do not sin again.’” ~ John 8:11

The Sacrament of Penance (sometimes called “confession” or “the sacrament of reconciliation”) is the great gift through which we enter into the mercy, forgiveness and peace of Christ in a new and deeper way.

Christ, who offered himself on the cross for the forgiveness of our sins, invites us to turn our hearts away from sin and to be faithful to the gospel of love he proclaims. No sin is too great that it cannot be forgiven the one who turns humbly and hopefully to God.

Individual celebrations of the Sacrament of Penance can be made every Saturday afternoon between 4:00 and 4:45PM in the reconciliation room. If this time is impossible for you, please call Father Donnelly to make an appointment.

Communal penance services are celebrated prior to Christmas and Easter. Please check the calendar of events for exact dates and times.

How to make a good confession:

1) Examine Your Conscience: humbly and prayerfully examine what it is you have done wrong, what the quality of your relationships (with yourself, with those around you and with God) is, and name how it is you want to improve.

2) Celebrate the Sacrament of Penance:
~ begin with the sign of the cross and trust in God’s mercy
~ mention how long it has been since your last confession
~ confess your sins
~ allow the priest to encourage your faith with a word from scripture
~ accept a penance of prayer, fasting, or good works suggested by you or by the priest
~ make an act of contrition or prayer asking for God’s mercy (the priest will help you if you have forgotten this prayer)
~ listen as the priest proclaims God’s forgiveness over with the sign of the cross
~ go in peace

3) Carry Out Your Penance: then complete your reconciliation with God and the Church by carrying out your penance and by celebrating the Eucharist on the next nearest Sunday (and always)

4) Continue to Live in God’s Love: through daily prayer, Sunday Mass and good choices – always trusting in God’s loving presence with you.

Prayer of Absolution

“God, the Father of mercies, through the death and resurrection of his Son, has reconciled the world to himself and sent the Holy Spirit among us for the forgiveness of sins; through the ministry of the Church, may God give you pardon and peace, I absolve you from your sins in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

First Penance of Children

“Every child who has reached the age of discretion must be given adequate basic catechesis for the celebration of Penance so that participation in the sacrament may be a free response.”
~ taken from Sacramental Life in the Diocese of Rochester

A child is considered ready to celebrate the sacrament of Penance when there is an age-appropriate awareness of their relationship with God and neighbor; knowledge they can harm the relationship through sin; an experience of sorrow and realization they need to change their behavior and an ability to talk with the priest about their sins.

Preparation sessions for parents and children who are ready to celebrate this sacrament are usually held in the fall. For more information about preparing your child for this sacrament, please contact Sister Kathleen Wayne, Director of Faith Formation for the Monroe Clinton Planning Group. Phone: 271-7240