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How do I go to Confession?
Before celebrating the Sacrament of Penance, one should prepare oneself with an examination of conscience, which involves reflecting prayerfully on one's thoughts, words, and deeds in order to identify any sins.Confess your sins to the priest. Make certain that you confess all your mortal (serious) sins and the number of them. It is good to begin with your most serious sins.Examine your conscience (see below) before you enter the confessional.
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Once you go in, the priest may start with a prayer.
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Begin by saying, “Father forgive me, it has been _______ weeks/months/years since my last confession.”
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You may close by saying something like, “For these and all my sins I am sorry.”
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The priest may give you some counsel. Then he will give you your penance (usually a prayer or an act of charity) and ask you to pray an act of contrition.
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Pray the Act of Contrition (see below)
8. The priest will give you absolution.
9. Leave the confessional and do your penance.
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Reconciliation/Penance is that Sacrament by which we are cleansed of our sins in order to once again be face to face with Christ. When we come with deep contrition and truly desire conversion, we are transformed by the mercy of God and brought back fully into the heart of the Father.
Reconciliation is available in our Faith Formation building on Saturdays from 3:00pm to 4:00pm.
You can also contact the office (Parish Office: 925-891-8900) to set up a special appointment time.
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Act of Contrition: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.