Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.”
John 20:21-23
Confession, from “The Seven Sacraments”
Johann Anton Riedel
Penance
Those who approach the sacrament of Penance obtain pardon from God’s mercy for the offense committed against him, and are, at the same time, reconciled with the Church which they have wounded by their sins and which by charity, by example, and by prayer labors for their conversion.
Catechism of the Catholic Church 1422
The Sacrament of Penance is one of two sacraments of healing (the other being the Anointing of the Sick). Penance is a sacrament of forgiveness and celebrates God’s love and mercy towards us. It is about acknowledging and naming those times when we know we have done wrong, and then making peace and restoring the relationships with those who have been affected by our poor choices.
The Sacrament of Penance is celebrated through the Rites of Reconciliation.
Catholics are obliged to confess faithfully at least once a year, or after committing mortal sin. Steps on how to make a confession can be found below.
St Augustine
In failing to confess, Lord, I would only hide You from myself, not myself from You.
How to make a confession
This form is celebrated by an individual person in the presence of the priest. The place where this happens is usually a reconciliation room (what used to be called a “confessional’). A bible, a crucifix and candle are placed on a table in the centre of the space. The person may choose to sit facing the priest or to sit behind a screen and remain anonymous. The rite begins with a greeting, followed by words of encouragement from the priest. After a short reading from scripture, the person reflects on their circumstances, confesses their sins and seeks reconciliation. The priest offers advice and gives a penance that is meant to help in starting a new life and to remedy any weakness. The priest pronounces absolution and the rite concludes with a short thanksgiving.
Archdiocese of Brisbane
For a short guide to confession, please click here.
Act of Contrition
Traditional
O my God, I am heartily sorry for having offended Thee, and I detest all my sins because of thy just punishments, but most of all because they offend Thee, my God, who art all good and deserving of all my love.
I firmly resolve with the help of Thy grace to sin no more and to avoid the near occasion of sin. Amen.
Alternate form
My God, I am sorry for my sins with all my heart. In choosing to do wrong and failing to do good, I have sinned against you whom I should love above all things.
I firmly intend, with your help, to do penance, to sin no more, and to avoid whatever leads me to sin.
Our Savior Jesus Christ suffered and died for us. In his name, my God, have mercy.
At Mother of Mercy and St Agatha’s Parish, Reconciliation/Confession is held on Saturdays at 4pm at St. Cecilia’s Church, Hamilton. You can also arrange another time for Confession by calling the Parish Office on 3268 3040 to make an appointment, or email [email protected].
Making First Confession
For a child
Children are usually prepared to celebrate the Sacrament of Penance with individual confession and absolution in Year 5. Parents will be asked to participate in the sacramental program with their children. Children preparing to make their first confession should already have received Baptism, Confirmation, and First Holy Communion.
For information about the parish sacramental program, please click here.
For an adult
To make a first confession as an adult, please see Fr Michael after mass or contact the parish office.