"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:9
A Proper Confession
Whether this be your first time in years or fourth time this month, it's always important to remember the Father loves you, and that in turn we must ensure that we are confessing properly.
Confessions Times
The sacrament of confession is available 45 minutes before every Mass.
How To Confess
Examination of Conscience
Before entering the confessional, one should always prepare themselves through a Examination of Conscience. This is done best through a prayerful self reflection on one's own sins. We also recommend looking over premade examinations that can help you identify sins you may have forgotten, which we have provided below. You should also examine the Precepts of the Church, which are provided below.
Before entering the confessional, one should always prepare themselves through a Examination of Conscience. This is done best through a prayerful self reflection on one's own sins. We also recommend looking over premade examinations that can help you identify sins you may have forgotten, which we have provided below. You should also examine the Precepts of the Church, which are provided below.
Entering the Confessional
Saint Michael's confessional is located in the front right of the chapel. A red/green light above the door indicates whether the confessional is free. Those waiting for confession are asked to sit in the chairs in the back right of the chapel.
When it is your turn, enter and close the door behind you. You will begin by saying “Bless me Father, for I have sinned.” You will then make the Sign of the Cross while the priest says, “The Lord be in Thy heart and on thy lips, that thou mayest rightly confess thy sins. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.”
You will then tell the priest the time since your last confession and recite your sins. When you are done, you will say “For these and all my other sins, which I cannot presently remember, I am heartily sorry.” The priest may then add some words and advice. Last, in Latin, he will forgive your sins.
When it is your turn, enter and close the door behind you. You will begin by saying “Bless me Father, for I have sinned.” You will then make the Sign of the Cross while the priest says, “The Lord be in Thy heart and on thy lips, that thou mayest rightly confess thy sins. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.”
You will then tell the priest the time since your last confession and recite your sins. When you are done, you will say “For these and all my other sins, which I cannot presently remember, I am heartily sorry.” The priest may then add some words and advice. Last, in Latin, he will forgive your sins.
Precepts of the Church
Precepts of the Church
The Catholic church places five obligations on every Catholic. These are the minimum calls of the church on the faithful. As you grow in faith and love in Christ, you will find yourself surpassing these obligations. The Church also understands that in rare cases, the faithful may not be able to meet these precepts, legitimate expectations are discussed below.
Legitimate Expectations To The Precepts
God knows your heart. He knows when you are acting out of love and when you are motivated by sin. If you pray-fully reflect and truly believe you can not meet one of the precepts, you are most likely fine; however we highly recommend discussing these concerns with your priest.
For the first precept, attendance of mass, legitimate expectations can include illness, emergency, impossible circumstances, work requirements, and even dispensation (exemption) from a Pastor. For the fourth precept, fasting, expectations can include health concerns and work requirements.
The Catholic church places five obligations on every Catholic. These are the minimum calls of the church on the faithful. As you grow in faith and love in Christ, you will find yourself surpassing these obligations. The Church also understands that in rare cases, the faithful may not be able to meet these precepts, legitimate expectations are discussed below.
- You shall attend Mass on Sundays and holy days of obligation."
- You shall confess your sins at least once a year.
- You shall humbly receive your Creator in Holy Communion at least during the Easter season.
- You shall observe the prescribed days of fasting and abstinence.
- You shall help to provide for the needs of the Church, each according to his abilities.
Legitimate Expectations To The Precepts
God knows your heart. He knows when you are acting out of love and when you are motivated by sin. If you pray-fully reflect and truly believe you can not meet one of the precepts, you are most likely fine; however we highly recommend discussing these concerns with your priest.
For the first precept, attendance of mass, legitimate expectations can include illness, emergency, impossible circumstances, work requirements, and even dispensation (exemption) from a Pastor. For the fourth precept, fasting, expectations can include health concerns and work requirements.