Guidelines for the Sacrament of Reconciliation at Holy Spirit Church

“Whose sins you shall forgive they are forgiven, whose sins you retain, they are retained.”

John 20:22

Wednesday after 8:30 a.m. mass

Saturday after 9:00 a.m. mass

Saturday afternoon at 2:30 p.m.

or by Appointment

(It is always a good idea to attend mass before the morning sessions.)

The light outside the confessional indicates that the priest is in and that confessions are taking place. You may confess your sins from behind the screen or face-to-face. For future reference, Father John typically remains in the confessional for ten minutes beyond the last confession heard. So to insure being heard, please arrive early.

For privacy, close the door behind you. Please speak lowly in the confessional. Leave the door open when you leave.

The sacrament is primarily for the confession of serious sin. This is not a time for spiritual direction, so you should be brief. The priest, however, might ask question, make comments, or give advice.

Occasionally confessions will have to be canceled due to other commitments. We try to announce this beforehand in the parish, but to those who may come only to find that the priest is not here, we regret any inconvenience.

Format for confession

You initiate the confession by saying,

            “Bless me Father, I have sinned.”

            “It has been ___(days, months, years) since my last confession.”

Confess your sins giving the priest some sense of how often a sin has been committed. Precise numbers are not so important. The intent is to determine what dins cause the most problems.

When you are finished, the priest will assist you with a penance. He may give you one or he may invite you to choose your own.

Father John requests that you make an Act of Contrition outside the confessional. You may use any one of a number of penitential prayers and it should be memorized. You could even make up your own. The one we say at mass is an easy one. (I confess to almighty God, and to you my brothers and sisters…). Receive absolution, and then go in peace.