Sign up for Sacrament by Sept 25, 2011
2nd Meeting Oct. 22 8:30 - 9:30
T
he Catholic Sacrament of
Reconciliation (also known as Penance, or Penance and Reconciliation) has three
elements: conversion, confession and celebration. In it we find God's
unconditional forgiveness; as a result we are called to forgive others.
Reconciliation is available at St. Mary’s of the Lake on the First and Second Saturday of each month at 4:00 p.m. and at Epiphany on the Third Saturday of each month from 12-1 p.m. or by appointment if necessary.
Click to Download Sacrament Registration Form:
A child is considered ready to celebrate
the Sacrament of Penance when...
·there is an age-appropriate awareness
of their relationship with God and neighbor
·knowledge
they can harm that relationship through sin
·an
experience of sorrow for the commitment of sin
·the realization they need
to change their behavior
·must have an ability to talk with the priest about
their sins
How to make a good confession
1. Examination of Conscience: Prayerfully examine what it is you have done wrong, what the quality of your relationships (with yourself, with those around you and with God) is, and what and how you want to improve.
2. Celebration of the Sacrament of
Penance:
٠Begin with the sign of the cross and trust in God’s mercy.
٠Mention how long it has been since your last confession.
٠Confess your sins.
٠Allow the priest to encourage your faith.
٠Accept
a penance of prayer, fasting, or good works suggested by you or by
the priest.
٠Make
an act of contrition or prayer asking for God’s mercy (the priest
will help you if you have forgotten this prayer).
٠Listen
as the priest proclaims God’s forgiveness.
٠Go
in peace.
3. Carrying Out Your Penance: Complete your reconciliation with God and the Church by carrying out your penance and by celebrating the Eucharist on the next Sunday.
4.Continue to Live in God’s Love: Always trust God’s loving presence during daily prayer, Sunday Mass and the making of good choices.
Prayer of Absolution
"God, the Father of mercies, through the death and resurrection of his Son has reconciled the world to himself and sent the Holy Spirit among us for the forgiveness of sins; through the ministry of the Church may God give you pardon and peace, I absolve you from your sins in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit."
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 Saviour Jesus Christ suffered and died for us.
In His Name, my God, have mercy.
Amen.
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Click Here for the Diocese of Rochester's:
First Penance Parents' Brochure (English version)
First Penance Guidelines Updated 10/2006
Frequently Asked Questions about the updated guidelines
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Click on the links below for more information from resources offered by:
Newsletter Articles:
"Ten
Tips for Better Confessions: The Gift of Reconciliation"
by Thomas Richstatter, O.F.M., S.T.D.
"The
Sacrament of Reconciliation: Celebrating God's Forgiveness"
by Sandra DeGidio, O.S.M.
"Preparing
for Confession: Taking Your Spiritual Temperature"
by Rev. Thomas M. Casey
"Reconciliation:
An Experience of Forgiveness"
by Ellen Fanizzi
What's the difference between Confession and Reconciliation?
Why do Catholics confess their sins to a priest?