Reconciliation (Confession)
"... an act of honesty and courage - an act of entrusting ourselves, beyond sin, to the mercy of a loving an forgiving God." Saint John Paul IIReconciliation (Confession) is the sacrament in which God’s mercy and forgiveness reconciles the sinner with God, himself/herself, and also with the Church and Christ’s body. It is a holy moment in which we place ourselves in His presence and honestly acknowledge our sins, especially mortal sins. With absolution, we are reconciled to God and the Church. The Sacrament helps us stay close to the truth that we cannot live without God.
Confession Times
At St. Victoria, we have reconciliation services twice a year during Advent and Lent, as well as opportunities for individual confession weekly. The Sacrament of Reconciliation is also available by calling the parish office to make an appointment (952-443-2661).
First Reconciliation
For those who want to prepare to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation for the first time, please see our Sacramental Preparation page for more information. First Reconciliation for youth starting in Grade 2 is available through our Faith Formation program. Adults who are seeking reconciliation for the first time, can learn more at our RCIA page.
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Reconciliation Resources on FORMED.org
Could God Ever Love Someone like Me? The Sacrament of Reconciliation by Fr. Mike Schmitz: Fr. Mike Schmitz, one of the leading presenters in the Church today, speaks powerfully about the Sacrament of Reconciliation. He makes clear the truth that Christ deeply loves and wants to encounter each of us as we are, with all our imperfections. Fr. Mike debunks the lies we often believe about not being good enough to approach Jesus, and he draws upon Scripture to explain rationally why we go to priests to encounter God’s mercy and forgiveness in the Sacrament of Confession.
7 Secrets of Confession by Vinny Flynn: In this inspiring presentation, popular speaker Vinny Flynn explores the “hidden” truths of the Sacrament of Reconciliation, presenting what to many will be a whole new way of approaching Confession, inviting you to begin an exciting personal journey to healing and holiness. If you do not yet look forward to Confession in the same way you look forward to Communion, this will change your life.
The Sacrament of Penance & Reconciliation: God Is Rich in Mercy: The Sacrament of Reconciliation is the great sacrament of mercy in which we encounter the Divine Physician, Jesus Christ, who not only desires to forgive us of our sins, but also to heal the wounds of sin and give us true peace.
FORMED Daily: Why did Christ implement the Sacrament of Reconciliation?: Why do we need a priest for confession? Why can’t we go straight to God to confess our sins? It’s important that the sacraments have physical signs. Watch the entire Forgiven series here: https://bit.ly/2Ix9TlQ
FOR KIDS!
Forgiven: The Blessings of Confession: This joyful presentation reminds old and young alike about the great gift of God’s forgiveness through the Sacrament of Reconciliation!
Forgiven – For Children: How to Make a Great Confession: It can feel scary to go to Confession, but really, we go to the Sacrament of Confession because God loves us so much that he wants us to remove all the sins that keep us from Him. When we go to Confession, we say “I love you, Jesus, will you forgive me of my sins?” In this session, kids will learn how to make a good Confession, and that God always forgives us and gives us grace to be better in this sacrament.
How to Go to Confession
- Preparation
Before going to confession, take some time to prepare. Begin with prayer, and reflect on your life since your last confession. How have you—in your thoughts, words, and actions—neglected to live Christ’s commands to “love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind,” and to “love your neighbor as yourself” (Mt 22:37, 39)? As a help with this “examination of conscience,” you might review the Ten Commandments or the Beatitudes (Ex 20:2-17; Dt 5:6-21; Mt 5:3-10; or Lk 6:20-26).
- Greeting
The priest will welcome you; he may say a short blessing or read a Scripture passage.
- The Sign of the Cross
Together, you and the priest will make the Sign of the Cross. You may then begin your confession with these or similar words: “Bless me, Father, for I have sinned.”
- Confession
Confess all your sins to the priest. If you are unsure what to say, ask the priest for help. When you are finished, conclude with these or similar words: “I am sorry for these and all my sins.”
- Penance
The priest will propose an act of penance. The penance might be prayer, a work of mercy, or an act of charity. He might also counsel you on how to better live a Christian life.
- Act of Contrition
After the priest has conferred your penance, pray an Act of contrition, expressing sorrow for your sins and resolving to sin no more. A suggested Act of Contrition is:
“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.”
- Absolution
The priest will extend his hands over your head and pronounce the words of absolution. You respond, “Amen.”
- Praise
The priest will usually praise the mercy of God and will invite you to do the same. For example, the priest may say, “Give thanks to the Lord for he is good.” And your response would be, “His mercy endures for ever.”
- Dismissal
The priest will conclude the sacrament, often saying, “Go in peace.”
“How to Go to Confession” is Copyright © 2013, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Washington, DC. Scripture excerpts taken from the New American Bible , rev. ed. © 2010, 1991, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Inc., Washington, DC. All rights reserved. Excerpts from the English translation of Rite of Penance © 1974, International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc. All rights reserved. This text may be reproduced in whole or in part without alteration for nonprofit educational use, provided such reprints are not sold and include this notice.