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Examination of Conscience Resources

April 3, 2025

Examen

Throughout Lent we offer several opportunities to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

Outside of Lent, the Sacrament is offered every Saturday from 5:00-5:40 p.m., as listed in the bulletin, or by appointment by calling Father.

This Sacrament offers us the beautiful gift of being restored in our relationship with God and neighbor, by receiving God's love & mercy.

The steps to making a Good Confessions is:

1. Have a repentent heart.
2. Examine your conscience.  The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops offers various resources at this link to help guide you through this process.  In brief, ask yourself, "When have I failed to love God?  When have I failed to love my neighbor?"  When have I failed to love myself?"
3. Go see a priest.  Priests are ordained by a Bishop in succession of the Apostles, whom Jesus gave the power to forgive sins. (See John 20:23)  They are in the Person of Christ (Persona Christi), where Jesus is trully acting through the priest to hear and absolve you of your sins.  The priest is bound by the Sacramental Seal of Confession not to reveal your confession to anyone for any reason.
4. When you enter the Confessional, greet the priest and say, "Forgive me Father for I have sinned.  It's been (however long since your last confession.)  This just gives the priest some context.
5. Say what your sins are.  You do not need to go into any detail, just simply state them and if Father has any questions, he'll respond.
6. The priest may give you some words of encouragement or something to think about to help you in your journey towards holiness.  He will also give you a Penance, as a way recommit ourself to God and say "thank you" for His Mercy.  It should not be viewed as a punishment, but is a way of rectifying the effects of our sin.  If you are unsure of your ability to complete the Penance, you may ask the priest for clarification, guidance, or another penance.
7. Pray the Act of Contrition.  You may wish to memorize a versions, but many confessionals will have them printed out for you, or you can always as the priest for help.  This prayer acknowledges that we have offended God, that we desire to do better, that we need God's help through is grace to live a holy life.
8. Receive Absolution.  The priest will pray the prayer of absolution.  Know and be confident in God's healing mercy.  Praise Him for this gift!
9. Leave the Confessional and as soon as possible complete your Penance. (Think of the story of the 10 Lepers and only one returned after healing to thank Jesus.)

The Sacrament of Reconciliation is such a wonderful gift.  The Church teaches that we should go at least once a year, but why would you only want to receive a gift from God once a year when you can go more frequently?  Popes have been known to go weekly, religious communities may go every two weeks.  Why not try going every month? 

Remember that if you commit a Mortal Sin (a sin against any of the 10 Commandments, with full knowledge that it is a serious sin, and that you freely choose to do it anyway), you need to confess as soon as possible and should not receive Holy Communion until you have done so.  Confessing our veniel sins, is beneficial living a life of grace, so we are encouraged to confess those sins as well.

If you have any questions about this Sacrament or any other, please do not hesitate to contact us.

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