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The Sacrament of Reconciliation
The Sacrament of Reconciliiation (Confession) allows the ocean of God’s mercy to be poured out into our lives. Christ gave the Church His authority to forgive sins so that each person may live free from the burden or guilt of this world and experience the joy of a life in Christ.
When we sin that may be a moment of defeat, Confession is the moment of victory!
First Reconciliation
Students normally make their First Reconciliation or Confession during the second year of religious education. Currently, it is held on the third Thursday in November. Preparation is done in the school, P.R.E.P., or home classroom with a few group activities. If you have a child that needs to make their First Reconciliation please contact Tina Klare, Coordinator of Religious Education at (859) 341-6609, ext. 4023 or tklare@stjosepchcsky.org
Scheduled Confessions
Saturdays: 9:30am-10:30pm
During Lent and Advent: Tuesdays at 6:30
Or Call the Parish Office to schedule 859-341-6609
How to Make a Good Confession
Confession is not difficult, but it does require preparation. We should begin with prayer, placing ourselves in the presence of God, our loving Father. We seek healing and forgiveness through repentance and a resolve to sin no more. Then we review our lives since our last confession, searching our thoughts, words and actions for that which did not conform to God’s command to love Him and one another through His laws and the laws of His Church. This is called an examination of conscience.
Examination of Conscience
Begin with a prayer asking for God’s help. Review your life with the help of some questions, which are based on the 10 Commandments (see below). Tell God how truly sorry you are for your sins. Make a firm resolution not to sin again.
Examination of Conscience
Recall your sins. Prayerfully ask yourself what you have done with full knowledge and full consent against God’s and the Church’s commandments.
Do I pray to God every day? Have I thanked God for His gifts to me?
Did I put my faith in danger through readings contrary to Catholic teachings or involvement in non-Catholic sects? Did I engage in superstitious practices: palm-reading or fortune-telling?
Did I take the name of God in vain? Did I curse or take a false oath?
Did I miss Mass on Sundays or holy days of obligation through my own fault? Am I attentive at Mass? Did I keep fast and abstinence on the prescribed days?
Did I disobey my parents and lawful superiors in important matters?
Did I hate or quarrel with anyone, or desire revenge? Did I refuse to forgive? Was I disrespectful?
Did I get drunk? Did I take illicit drugs?
Did I willfully look at pornography, entertain impure thoughts or engage in impure conversations or actions? Did I use artificial means to prevent conception?
Was I unfaithful to my spouse? Did I engage in sexual activity outside of marriage?
Did I steal or damage another's property? Have I been honest and just in my business relations?
Have I been responsive to the needs of the poor and respected the dignity of others?
Did I tell lies? Did I sin by calumny, or detraction, of others? Did I judge others rashly in serious matters?
Have I envied other people?
The Rite of the Sacrament of Reconciliation
Reconciliation may be face-to-face or anonymous, with a screen between you and the priest. Choose the option that is the most comfortable for you.
The priest gives you a blessing or greeting. He may share a brief Scripture passage.
Make the Sign of the Cross and say: “Bless me father, for I have sinned. My last confession was…” (give the number of weeks, months or years).
Confess all of your sins to the priest. The priest will help you to make a good confession. If you are unsure about how to confess or you feel uneasy, just ask him to help you. Answer his questions without hiding anything out of fear or shame. Place your trust in God, a merciful Father who wants to forgive you.
Following your confession of sins, say: “I am sorry for these and all of my sins.”
The priest assigns you a penance and offers advice to help you be a better Catholic.
Say an Act of Contrition, expressing your sorrow for your sins. The priest, acting in the person of Christ, then absolves you from your sins.
Act of Contrition
O God, I am heartily sorry for having offended you, and I detest all my sins because of your just punishment but most of all, because they offend you,my God, who art 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