The Sacrament of Reconciliation is sometimes called The Sacrament of Confession or Penance. This beautiful sacrament is where we experience God’s mercy in a deeply personal way. Through it, we are forgiven by God and also reunited with the Church, which our sins may have harmed.

As the Catechism of the Catholic Church says:

“Those who approach the sacrament of Penance obtain pardon from God's mercy… and are, at the same time, reconciled with the Church.” (CCC 1422)

The names Confession, Penance, and Reconciliationeach highlight a different aspect of this sacrament:

• Confession reminds us that we honestly acknowledge our sins before God.
• Penance expresses our sorrow and our desire to cooperate with God's grace as He heals and restores us.
• Reconciliation reminds us that sin damages not only our relationship with God but also our communion with the Church. Through this sacrament, both relationships are restored.

In Confession, we speak our sins to a priest, who acts in the person of Christ. Through the authority Jesus entrusted to His Church, the priest offers guidance, assigns a suitable penance, and pronounces the words of absolution, through which Christ forgives our sins.

Even after Baptism, we continue to struggle with sin. The Sacrament of Reconciliation is God's gift to us, allowing us to repent, receive His mercy, and renew our friendship with Him whenever we fall. Strengthened by His forgiveness, we are better able to forgive others and live as faithful disciples of Christ.

Having been cleansed and restored through Reconciliation, we are then prepared to receive the Holy Eucharist—the true Body and Blood of Jesus Christ, the source and summit of the Christian life.

Parish Confession Times: Saturdays at 3:30 PM

At St. Frances of Rome, we are honored to accompany families as they prepare their children, or adults as they prepare themselves, to receive First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion, two beautiful milestones in the life of faith.

If your child is currently in, or entering, elementary and middle school (1st-8th grade), please explore our 1st Communion Preparation page. 

If your child is in high school (9th-12th grade) or if you are an adult (18+) seeking First Holy Communion, please explore Christian Initiation (OCIA - Order of Christian Initiation of Adults).

See the video below to learn more about the Sacrament of Confession

Step 1: Pray

Begin by asking the Holy Spirit to help you honestly recognize your sins and the ways you have failed to love God, others, and yourself.

Step 2: Examination your Conscience

Spend a few moments reflecting on your thoughts, words, actions, and omissions. Consider how you have loved God and others, where you have fallen short, what sins you have committed, and how often you committed them. An Examination of Conscience Guide can be a helpful guide during this prayer.

As Catholics, we should regularly examine our conscience:

• During our personal prayer
• At Mass during the Penitential Act ("Lord, have mercy.")
• During communal reconciliation services

Examining our conscience helps us take responsibility for our actions, seek God's forgiveness, and grow in holiness.

Step 3: greet the priest

The priest begins by making the Sign of the Cross:

"In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen."

Make the Sign of the Cross with him, then say:

"Bless me, Father, for I have sinned. It has been ______ since my last confession and these are my sins."

Step 4: Confess Your Sins

Tell the priest the sins you remembered during your examination of conscience. Be honest and simple, mentioning the kind of sin and, as best you can, how often you committed it (for example: daily, weekly, occasionally, or frequently).

If you're unsure what to say, don't worry. Simply tell the priest, and he will help guide you.

When you have finished confessing your sins, say this or something similar:

"I am sorry for these and for all of my sins."

Step 5: Listen to the priest

The priest may offer encouragement or spiritual guidance to help you grow in your relationship with God. He will also assign you a penance—usually a prayer, act of charity, or other good work—to help repair the harm caused by sin and deepen your conversion.

If you do not understand your penance, don't hesitate to ask for clarification.

Step 6: Pray an Act of Contrition & Receive Absolution 

he priest will invite you to pray an Act of Contrition, expressing your sorrow for your sins and your desire to turn back to God.

He will then extend his hand and pray the Prayer of Absolution, through which Christ forgives your sins. At the end of the prayer, respond:

"Amen."

The priest will dismiss you, often with words of peace. You may simply respond:

"Thank you, Father."

Step 7: COMPLETE YOUR PENANCE AND Thank God

After leaving the confessional, complete the penance the priest assigned as soon as reasonably possible. Then spend a few moments thanking God for His mercy, His forgiveness, and the grace you have received through the Sacrament of Reconciliation.