Reconciliation
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Contact Us
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Rev. Michael M. Pierzpastorblessedtrinitygreenfield.orgPastor
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Sacrament of Reconciliation.
If you’re nervous or uneasy about going to Sacrament of Reconciliation or Confession, or embarrassed by your sins preventing you from going to a priest to ask for God’s mercy, just remember these 3 things:
- It doesn’t matter if it’s been a long time (or a short time), God is still happy you’re there.
- Our God is a God of mercy. God wants to forgive us.
- God, not the priest present in the confessional, is the one doing actually absolving your sins.
Going to the Sacrament of Confession isn’t always easy. Shame over our sins may prevent us from going. Sometimes we don’t go to confession because we can’t “think” of any sins. We sin every day, but we aren’t always observant of our many failings.
And remember that priests are bound by a canon law concept known as the “seal of the confessional,” which forbids them from sharing confessions under any circumstance. Confession is good for the soul and can help lift the many burdens we are carrying.“[Confession] is, without doubt, the most difficult and delicate, the most exhausting and demanding, but also one of the most beautiful and consoling ministries of the priest.”- Pope John Paul II
In other words, it’s hard but rewarding work, but is exactly what priests are called to do. (Hallow.com)
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Confession Times.
- Sunday: 7:30 AM to 7:50 AM Holy Trinity Church 9:00 AM to 9:20 AM Holy Trinity Church 10:30 AM to 10:50 AM Blessed Sacrament Church
- Wednesday: 5:00 PM to 5:45 PM Holy Trinity Church
- Saturday: 2:30 PM to 3:30 PM Blessed Trinity Church
Please check the calendar for changes.
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How to Go to Confession: A Step by Step Guide
- Enter the confessional and greet the priest.
Begin by making the sign of the cross and say “Bless me, Father, for I have sinned. It’s been [however many days/months/years] since my last confession.”
- List your sins.
Mention venial (everyday) sins and mortal sins, which are more serious. Try to be thorough, but it’s OK if you don’t remember every single sin. It may be more of a conversation, as the priest may ask questions or comment. It doesn’t have to be a non-stop laundry list of sins. When you’re done, conclude by saying “I’m sorry for these and all my sins.”
- Listen to the priest.
When you’re done confessing your sins, the priest may offer some guidance and suggest ways to avoid sins in the future. He’ll then give you a penance, which could be a form of prayer, a service or some work of mercy. Often, you’ll be able to complete your penance while still at church.
- Pray the Act of Contrition.
This prayer is short and simple: 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.
- Receive absolution from God, via the priest.
The priest will say the following prayer to absolve you of your sins: God, the Father of mercies, through the death and the 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, and I absolve you from your sins in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Make the sign of the cross and close with Amen.
- Depart and fulfill your act of penance. (Hallow.com)
- Enter the confessional and greet the priest.
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Prayer Preparation before Confession.
Going to the Sacrament of Confession isn’t always easy. Embarrassment or shame over our sins may prevent us from going to a priest to ask for God’s mercy. Sometimes we don’t go to confession because we can’t “think” of any sins. We sin every day, but we aren’t always aware observant of our many failings.Confession is good for the soul and can help lift the many burdens we are carrying.
One way to prepare for this Sacrament is to ask God for strength, courage, and enlightenment. Here is a prayer that places all these needs before God and is a perfect preparation for Confession.
O most merciful God, enlighten me, for you know all my ways and observe all my footsteps. Come, true light, and dispel the darkness of my heart, that I may see what in me is displeasing to you, and that with a contrite heart I may be sorry for my sins, rightly confess them, and amend my life. Send forth your light into my soul and show to me all those sins which I ought to confess at this time. Assist me by your grace, and grant me courage and strength, that I may be able to declare them to the priest, fully, humbly, and with a contrite heart, and so obtain perfect remission of my sins through your infinite goodness. Amen.