GOING TO CONFESSION
SEEKING RECONCILIATION... A RETURN TO FRIENDSHIP WITH GOD“All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself
and gave us the ministry of reconciliation…”
2 Corinthians 5:18
“So we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us.
We beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.”
2 Corinthians 5:20
LET US RETURN TO THE WORD OF GOD…
…TO THE SOURCE & SUMMIT OF GOODNESS, BEAUTY, AND TRUTH…
…LET US RETURN TO FRIENDSHIP WITH GOD.
LET US RETURN… NOT TO BLAMING, HIDING & COVERING…
…BUT TO CONFESSION, PENANCE & RECONCILIATION.
Recalling our sins, the times we’ve fallen short of living a Christian life. These are some options to reflect on how we’ve failed to love our God… our neighbor… our enemies…
The basics for receiving the Sacrament of Reconciliation… confessing our sins & receiving penance & absolution from a Catholic Priest… acting “In Persona Christi”.
These are three optional texts for praying the Act of Contrition… taken from the Order of Penance, nos. 45 and 92.
LET US RETURN TO FRIENDSHIP WITH GOD.
CONFESSING OUR SINS TO A PRIEST
STEPS FOR CONFESSING OUR SINS, RECEIVING ABSOLUTION & PENANCEFINDING A CATHOLIC PRIEST
FINDING A CATHOLIC PRIEST
FINDING A CATHOLIC PRIEST
The map linked in the tab above is not necessarily complete or accurate (as schedules may change), but it is a good resource for locating many Catholic Churches, especially within the United States. The filters may also be used to isolate Confession Schedules. If you have not been to confession in many years, you may wish to locate a phone number in order to schedule a dedicated time for confession.
PERFORMING AN EXAMINATION OF CONSCIENCE
PERFORMING AN EXAMINATION OF CONSCIENCE
Recalling the ways we’ve fallen short of loving our God… neighbors… enemies.
There are several options or lists for performing an examination of conscience. Two of the more common lists are the Ten Commandments or the Nine Beatitudes. However, it may be helpful to begin with the Seven Mortal (i.e., Capital or Deadly) Sins. Mortal Sins are those that eternally separate us from God, if not confessed… compared to Venial Sins which do not result in eternal death, but which should still be confessed. As Saint John tells us (1 John 5:16-17)…
“If anyone sees his brother committing a sin that is not a deadly sin, he will ask, and God will give him life for those whose sin is not deadly. There is sin which is deadly; I do not say one is to pray for that. All wrongdoing is sin, but there is sin which is not deadly.”
The remaining lists generally consist of virtues and corresponding vices. In the last list, we’ve tried to consolidate several lists as a way of seeing the connections among sins… in order to better understand and root them out.
Finally, it should be said the most grievous of sins are against the Holy Spirit… sins which will not be forgiven (Matthew 12:31)… e.g., sins of despair or an unwillingness to repent or to ask God for forgiveness. To be clear, there is no sin that can separate us from the love or mercy of God… but only if we’re willing to ask… to humbly yet confidently appeal to His mercy. Let us not be afraid to approach God’s infinite mercy (lest we fall victim to despair)… let us not cultivate a hardness of heart (lest we fall prey to pride)… and let us not habituate unconfessed sin (lest we convince ourselves that sin, Satan, God, or a need for confession don’t exist).
1
I AM THE LORD THY GOD: THOU SHALT NOT HAVE STRANGE GODS BEFORE ME.
COMMANDS:
faith, hope, love, and worship of God; reverence for holy things; prayer.
1
I AM THE LORD THY GOD: THOU SHALT NOT HAVE STRANGE GODS BEFORE ME.
FORBIDS:
idolatry; superstition; spiritism; tempting God; sacrilege; attendance at false worship.
2
THOU SHALL NOT TAKE THE NAME OF THE LORD THY GOD IN VAIN.
COMMANDS:
reverence in speaking about God and holy things; the keeping of oaths and vows.
2
THOU SHALL NOT TAKE THE NAME OF THE LORD THY GOD IN VAIN.
FORBIDS:
blasphemy; the irreverent use of God’s name; speaking disrespectfully of holy things; false oaths and the breaking of vows.
3
KEEP THE SABBATH HOLY.
COMMANDS:
going to church on Sundays and holy days of obligation.
3
KEEP THE SABBATH HOLY.
FORBIDS:
missing church through one’s own fault; unnecessary servile work on Sunday and holy days of obligation.
4
HONOUR THY FATHER AND THY MOTHER.
COMMANDS:
love; respect; obedience on the part of children; care on the part of parents for the spiritual and temporal welfare of their children; obedience to civil and religious superiors.
4
HONOUR THY FATHER AND THY MOTHER.
FORBIDS:
hatred of parents and superiors; disrespect; disobedience.
5
THOU SHALT NOT KILL.
COMMANDS:
safeguarding of one’s own life and bodily welfare and that of others.
5
THOU SHALT NOT KILL.
FORBIDS:
unjust killing; suicide; abortion; sterilization; dueling; endangering life and limb of self or others.
6
THOU SHALT NOT COMMIT ADULTERY.
COMMANDS:
chastity in word and deed.
6
THOU SHALT NOT COMMIT ADULTERY.
FORBIDS:
obscene speech; impure actions alone or with others.
7
THOU SHALT NOT STEAL.
COMMANDS:
respect for the property of rights and others; the paying of just debts; paying just wages to employees; integrity in public office.
7
THOU SHALT NOT STEAL.
FORBIDS:
theft; damage to the property of others; not paying just debts; not returning found or borrowed articles; giving unjust measure or weight in selling; not paying just wages; bribery; graft; cheating; fraud; accepting stolen property; not giving an honest day’s work for wages received; breach of contract.
8
THOU SHALT NOT BEAR FALSE WITNESS AGAINST THY NEIGHBOR.
COMMANDS:
truthfulness; respect for the good name of others; the observance of secrecy when required.
8
THOU SHALT NOT BEAR FALSE WITNESS AGAINST THY NEIGHBOR.
FORBIDS:
lying; injury to the good name of others; slander; talebearing; rash judgment; contemptuous speech and the violation of secrecy.
9
THOU SHALT NOT COVET THY NEIGHBOR'S WIFE.
COMMANDS:
purity in thought.
9
THOU SHALT NOT COVET THY NEIGHBOR'S WIFE.
FORBIDS:
willful impure thought and desires.
10
THOU SHALT NOT COVET THY NEIGHBOR'S GOODS.
COMMANDS:
respect for the rights of others.
10
THOU SHALT NOT COVET THY NEIGHBOR'S GOODS.
FORBIDS:
the desire to take, to keep, or damage the property of others.
1
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
COMMANDS:
faith, hope, love, and worship of God; reverence for holy things; prayer.
1
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
FORBIDS:
idolatry; superstition; spiritism; tempting God; sacrilege; attendance at false worship.
2
Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
COMMANDS:
reverence in speaking about God and holy things; the keeping of oaths and vows.
2
Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
FORBIDS:
blasphemy; the irreverent use of God’s name; speaking disrespectfully of holy things; false oaths and the breaking of vows.
3
Blessed are the gentle, for they shall inherit the earth.
COMMANDS:
going to church on Sundays and holy days of obligation.
3
Blessed are the gentle, for they shall inherit the earth.
FORBIDS:
missing church through one’s own fault; unnecessary servile work on Sunday and holy days of obligation.
4
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
COMMANDS:
love; respect; obedience on the part of children; care on the part of parents for the spiritual and temporal welfare of their children; obedience to civil and religious superiors.
4
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
FORBIDS:
hatred of parents and superiors; disrespect; disobedience.
5
Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.
COMMANDS:
safeguarding of one’s own life and bodily welfare and that of others.
5
Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.
FORBIDS:
unjust killing; suicide; abortion; sterilization; dueling; endangering life and limb of self or others.
6
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
COMMANDS:
chastity in word and deed.
6
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
FORBIDS:
obscene speech; impure actions alone or with others.
7
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.
COMMANDS:
respect for the property of rights and others; the paying of just debts; paying just wages to employees; integrity in public office.
7
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.
FORBIDS:
theft; damage to the property of others; not paying just debts; not returning found or borrowed articles; giving unjust measure or weight in selling; not paying just wages; bribery; graft; cheating; fraud; accepting stolen property; not giving an honest day’s work for wages received; breach of contract.
7
Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
COMMANDS:
respect for the property of rights and others; the paying of just debts; paying just wages to employees; integrity in public office.
7
Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
FORBIDS:
theft; damage to the property of others; not paying just debts; not returning found or borrowed articles; giving unjust measure or weight in selling; not paying just wages; bribery; graft; cheating; fraud; accepting stolen property; not giving an honest day’s work for wages received; breach of contract.
8
Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me.
COMMANDS:
respect for the rights of others.
8
Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me.
FORBIDS:
the desire to take, to keep, or damage the property of others.
LOVE THY GOD ABOVE ALL THINGS
MATTHEW 22:37-40
Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind (Deuteronomy 6:5) . This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.
VS THE LOVE OF MAMMON - OR OF CREATED THINGS - MORE THAN GOD
MATTHEW 6:24
“No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.”
1 TIMOTHY 6:9-10
“But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and hurtful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is the root of all evils; it is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced their hearts with many pangs.”
In the opening chapter of Genesis, Moses put in their place all of the pagan beliefs and religions, which raised to a god-like status the things of creation. The pagan worshippers of sun and moon and stars… of so many created things and of creatures, including the fallen angels, were rightly informed that all of creation came from the one true God.
Then Moses also tells the story of the fall… of Adam and Eve consenting to the temptations of the serpent who convinced them to ignore (to disobey) the Word of God; to decide for themselves right and wrong, good and evil; and to make equality with God something to be grasped at (Philippians 2:6). They reasoned and rationalized that the forbidden fruit was indeed good for food (pleasures), a delight to the eyes (possessions), and desirable to make one wise (pride).
These are the same three temptations that we all face every day… and that Christ himself faced most notably during his own times in the wilderness/garden (e.g., Matthew 4:3-10). But it is not that created things are bad or evil; for they are good, even “very good” (Genesis 1:31). Having been made by God, they have a share in an intrinsic goodness, beauty, and truth, but they are not the source or the fullness of Goodness, Beauty, and Truth as is God.
"...[THEY] SAW THAT THE TREE WAS GOOD FOR FOOD..." ~GENESIS 3:6
"THE LUST OF THE FLESH" ~1 JOHN 2:16
"...AND THAT IT WAS A DELIGHT TO THE EYES..." ~GENESIS 3:6
"THE LUST OF THE EYES" ~1 JOHN 2:16
"...AND A TREE TO BE DESIRED TO MAKE ONE WISE..." ~GENESIS 3:6
"THE PRIDE OF LIFE" ~1 JOHN 2:16
WHEN JESUS WAS TEMPTED WITH PLEASURES
MATTHEW 4:3-4
The tempter came to Him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.” Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”
WHEN JESUS WAS TEMPTED WITH POSSESSIONS
MATTHEW 4:8-10
Again, the devil took Him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. ”All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.” Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written, ‘Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.’”
WHEN JESUS WAS TEMPTED WITH PRIDE
MATTHEW 4:5-7
Then the devil took Him to the holy city and had Him stand on the highest point of the temple. ”If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down. For it is written:
‘He will commend His angels concerning you
and they shall lift you up in their hands,
So that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’”
Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’”
How have we rationalized a disobedience to the Word of God? How have we reasoned it is “good” to serve or to place our trust in the people and things of creation rather than God? How have we given ourselves over to pleasures… to our possessions… to a willful pride? How have we failed to respond to our temptations as Christ did in all things… “Father, may your will be done”?
THE 10 COMMANDMENTS
LORD HAVE MERCY...
FOR THE TIMES I'VE GIVEN TO THE LUST OF THE FLESH
LORD HAVE MERCY...
FOR THE TIMES I'VE GIVEN TO THE LUST OF THE FLESH
LORD HAVE MERCY...
FOR THE TIMES I'VE GIVEN TO THE LUST OF THE FLESH
LORD HAVE MERCY...
FOR THE TIMES I'VE GIVEN TO THE LUST OF THE EYES
LORD HAVE MERCY...
FOR THE TIMES I'VE GIVEN TO THE LUST OF THE EYES
LORD HAVE MERCY...
FOR THE TIMES I'VE GIVEN TO THE PRIDE OF LIFE
LORD HAVE MERCY...
FOR THE TIMES I'VE GIVEN TO THE PRIDE OF LIFE
LORD HAVE MERCY
FOR WHAT I HAVE FAILED TO DO
LORD HAVE MERCY
FOR WHAT I HAVE DONE
Charity
The theological virtue given to us by God that allows us to love God above all things and to love ourselves and our neighbors rightly for his sake. It is the queen and lifegiving principle of all virtues.
The Catechism lists many fruits of charity: “Joy, peace, and mercy … it is benevolence; it fosters reciprocity and remains disinterested and generous; it is friendship and communion” (CCC #1829).
hatred, sloth, envy, discord, quarreling, objectifying others
Chastity
A fruit of the Holy Spirit and a form of temperance; it guides the proper use of the sexual appetite according to one’s state in life.
lust
the other extreme: prudishness.
Counsel
The Gift of the Holy Spirit that makes us docile and receptive to God’s counsel about our actions.
Diligence
Strengthens in us a persistent and constant effort to accomplish what we have set out to do.
SLOTH
Faith
The theological virtue that allows us to believe in God and his divinely revealed truths. Even though we cannot see or wrap our minds around some mysteries that God has revealed, we can trust that they are true on the basis of God’s authority. St. Paul writes that “Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1).
heresy, doubt, disbelief
Faithfulness
A fruit of the Holy Spirit by which we steadfastly adhere to our commitments.
disloyalty, treachery
Fear of the Lord
The gift of the Holy Spirit that helps us to avoid sin because we dread offending God. Scripture says that “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” (Proverbs 9:10).
irreverence
Fortitude
Both a cardinal virtue and a gift of the Holy Spirit. It strengthens us to undertake difficult tasks, face dangers, and endure suffering with strength. Courage and endurance are related virtues.
fear, cowardice
the other extreme: fearless audacity
Zeal
Charity in action: it sets us ablaze for God, his truth, and the salvation of souls.
acedia, apathy, complacency, lukewarmness
FEELING SORROW FOR OUR SINS & A FIRM PURPOSE OF AMENDMENT
FEELING SORROW FOR OUR SINS & A FIRM PURPOSE OF AMENDMENT
Nurturing a loving sorrow for having offended our God.
…
CULTIVATING A MORE PERFECT CONTRITION
…
CULTIVATING A MORE PERFECT CONTRITION
…
CULTIVATING A MORE PERFECT CONTRITION
…
CONFESSING OUR SINS TO A PRIEST
CONFESSING OUR SINS TO A PRIEST
CONFESSING OUR SINS TO A PRIEST
- PRAY: In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
- SAY: Bless me Father for I have sinned… it has been [lapsed time] since my last confession.
- SAY your sins simply, even bluntly, distinguishing between venial and mortal sins, as the latter should be confessed in kind and number.
PRAYING THE ACT OF CONTRITION
PRAYING THE ACT OF CONTRITION
Expressing sorrow for our sins and a firm purpose of amendment.
The priest may guide you in praying the Act of Contrition or may have the prayer printed on a card… or you may choose one of the options above…
O my God, I am heartily sorry for having offended you, and I detest all my sins because of your just punishments, but most of all because they offend you, my God, who are all good and deserving of all my love. I firmly resolve, with the help of your grace, to sin no more and to avoid the near occasions of sin. Amen.
*From the Order of Penance, nos. 45 and 92.
O my God, I am sorry and repent with all my heart for all the wrong I have done and for the good I have failed to do, because by sinning I have offended you, who are all good and worthy to be loved above all things. I firmly resolve, with the help of your grace, to do penance, to sin no more, and to avoid the occasions of sin. Through the merits of the Passion of our Savior Jesus Christ, Lord, have mercy.
*From the Order of Penance, nos. 45 and 92.
Lord Jesus, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.
*From the Order of Penance, nos. 45 and 92
Lord Jesus, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.
*From the Order of Penance, nos. 45 and 92
RECEIVING ABSOLUTION
RECEIVING ABSOLUTION
RECEIVING ABSOLUTION
The priest will pray the following prayer of absolution:
“God, the Father of mercies, through the death and resurrection of his Son has reconciled the world to himself and poured out the Holy Spirit for the forgiveness of sins; through the ministry of the Church may God grant 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.”
“But now I have acknowledged my sins; my guilt I did not hide.
I said “I will confess my offense to the Lord.” And you, Lord, have forgiven the guilt of my sin.”
Psalm 32:5
“But now I have acknowledged my sins; my guilt I did not hide.
I said “I will confess my offense to the Lord.” And you, Lord, have forgiven the guilt of my sin.”
Psalm 32:5
“DO I INDEED DERIVE ANY PLEASURE FROM THE DEATH OF THE WICKED? SAYS THE LORD GOD…
…DO I NOT RATHER REJOICE WHEN HE TURNS FROM HIS EVIL WAY THAT HE MAY LIVE?” ~EZEKIEL 18:23
Since the Original Sin & our expulsion from Eden, confession is our way back… to the Tree of Life. These are some of the biblical & historical roots & reasons for confessing our sins.
The first step: recalling my sins… and the times I’ve fallen short of living a Christian life? Here are some ways to reflect on how we’ve failed to love God, neighbor, & even my enemies…
The second step: these are the basics for confessing your sins and receiving penance and absolution from the priest… in the person of Christ (in persona Christi).
In “The Dialogue” with God the Father, Saint Catherine of Sienna speaks of a more perfect contrition… or a a sorrow for our sins out of a deep love for God (vs a fear of hell or punishment).