Confession
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God’s mercy matters; we all need it. That is why his door is always open to us, he is always waiting for our return.
-Archbishop Gomez
Examinations of Conscience
There are various types of examinations of conscience but regardless of which one you use to prepare yourself for the Sacrament it should be rooted in Scripture; particularly, the Ten Commandments and Beatitudes. The USCCB has a few examples of Examinations of Conscience that can help you prepare for the Sacrament.
How to Make a Good Confession (download PDF here)
BEFORE Confession
- Pray – Ask God to open your heart to make a good confession
- Reflect- Look back and recall the ways you have distanced yourself from God – hurting others and yourself (Consider using an Examination of Conscience to help you prepare for confession)
DURING Confession
- Confess – Speak your sins aloud to the priest who is there to listen and love on behalf of Jesus
- Receive Penance – The priest will give you a penance — prayers or actions that will draw you closer to God and restore what is broken
- Make an Act of Contrition – Say this prayer to offer sorrow for sins committed and ask for the grace to sin no more
- Receive absolution – The priests prays the words aloud that will reconcile you with God and offer you healing
AFTER Confession
- Celebrate — Your confession is a reminder of God’s unending love and mercy
- Commit — Follow through on your penance and share God’s tenderness with the world.
Mercy for the Journey // By Archbishop Gomez
The prophet Isaiah gives us this beautiful promise from God: “Come now, let us set things right, says the Lord. Though your sins be like scarlet, they may become white as snow.” This is the promise that is available to each one of us in the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation. This sacrament was the first gift that Jesus gave to the world after rising from the dead.
God is not frightened by people’s sins, mistakes or failures.
-Pope Francis