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Sacrament of Reconciliation

- THE LOVE OF THE FATHER WELCOMES YOU HOME
  
  Perhaps you’ve been away from Confession for a while—maybe a long while. Or, you may be a Catholic who goes to Confession frequently, but you find that you seem to be confessing those same old sins over and over again.
  
  God wants us all to grow in holiness so we can be saints.
  
  Pope Benedict XVI once said, “Holiness does not consist in not making mistakes or never sinning. Holiness grows with the capacity for conversion, repentance, willingness to begin again, and above all with the capacity for reconciliation and forgiveness.”
  
  Today is a new day. God’s mercy is abundant and He wants to forgive you for whatever sins you have committed…all you have to do is ask for His forgiveness with a contrite heart, and that’s exactly what the Sacrament of Reconciliation is for. There is so much hope for us who sin, “For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set me free from the law of sin and death” (Romans 8:2).
  
  Knowing more about yourself will help you work through your struggles and sins and grow in holiness and virtue, so you can find the peace, healing, happiness, and a fulfilling relationship with Christ that God has planned for you. Come receive God's grace and mercy in this healing sacrament - he welcomes you with open arms.
  
  Confession is offered weekly in the Church on Saturdays from 4-4:30PM or by appointment (908) 322-5192 ext. 100.
- HOW TO PREPARE FOR CONFESSION
  
  Set aside some quiet time for reflection before going to Confession.
  
  Start by praying to the Holy Spirit, asking for help in making a good examination to prepare for Confession. For example:
  
  "Come Holy Spirit, I invite you into my heart. Please bring to light what is in darkness within me so that I can embrace the freedom that you give. Help me to be truly sorry for the ways I have fallen short and accept the love and mercy you have for me."
  
  Read through an Examination of Conscience or the Ten Commandments and reflect on what you would like to bring to Confession.
  
  If necessary, take this list or some brief notes (keep them private!) to Confession to help you remember things.
  
  Click the link below for an Examination of Conscience that can help you prepare well for Confession. No sin is too great that the mercy of God cannot forgive. The more honest we can be about admitting our sins and asking for forgiveness, the more freedom we can receive. It's normal to be nervous about confessing our sins and facing the darkness. But we have no reason to be afraid, because Confession is a place of victory. The enemy wants us to stay in the darkness - God invites us to live in the light and in freedom! Do not be afraid: God welcomes you back with open arms!
  Examination of Conscience
- WHAT TO DO IN CONFESSION
  
  1. You always have the option to go to confession anonymously, that is, behind a screen or face to face, if you so desire. If you are returning to the Sacrament after a long time, or are simply feeling very nervous, you may say so to the priest and he will help you along the process!
  
  2. After the priest greets you, make the sign of the cross. Begin by saying: "Bless me Father for I have sinned. It has been (state how long) since my last confession. These are my sins."
  
  3. Tell your sins simply and honestly to the priest.
  
  4. Listen to the counsel that the priest gives you and take note of the penance that he gives you (usually some kind of prayer or even a good work). Then make an Act of Contrition for your sins (see below).
  
  5. The priest may dismiss you with words such as: "Go in peace." And you can respond by saying: "Thanks be to God."
  
  6. Spend some time with God in prayer and thanksgiving for the gift of His mercy. Try to do the penance that the priest gave you as soon as possible. This is an important part of a valid Confession.
  
  AN ACT OF CONTRITION
  
  Oh 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.
  Our Savior Jesus Christ
  suffered and died for us.
  In His name, my God, have mercy. Amen.
- "We are not the sum of our weaknesses and failures.
  
  We are the sum of the Father's love for us."
  
  - ST. JOHN PAUL II
- CHILDREN's PREPARATION FOR FIRST CONFESSION
  
  First Reconciliation typically occurs during second grade. Preparation for First Reconciliation is offered through our Emmaus Family Faith Formation sessions. In the Emmaus program, we seek to foster an encounter with God, connect you with other families, and empower you with skills to strengthen your family life and bring our faith into day-to-day life. Catechists in our Emmaus program assist children in 2nd grade to prepare for their First Reconciliation. Click the link below to read more about the Emmaus program.
  
  Emmaus Family Faith
  
  We use a great resource from Faith and Family Collective called Mend to bring this sacrament alive for families with children who are preparing for First Reconciliation. Mend provides engaging and hands-on activities that can be done at home alongside the support and guidance received in our Emmaus program.
  
  If you have questions about Reconciliation preparation, please contact the Director of Faith Formation, Mark Del Col at [email protected] or (908)322-5192 x143.
- lEARN MORE ABOUT CONFESSION