942 Hopmeadow St. Simsbury, CT 06070
Mailing Address: PO Box 575
860.658.7627
Mailing Address: PO Box 575
860.658.7627
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March 31, 2022One of the reasons Catholics often cite for not going to confession is that it’s been so long since they last went, they’ve forgotten what to do. If this is what is keeping you from experiencing this beautiful sacrament perhaps a review of how to celebrate this sacrament might make it more approachable. First, don’t worry or be embarrassed if it has been a long time since last celebrating Reconciliation. All that matters is that you are seeking out the sacrament now. If you let the priest know it’s been a while and you are a little “rusty” he can help you with the process. Take a few minutes before confession to examine your conscience. You may use the 10 Commandments or even the Two Great Commandments (Love God with all your heart and your neighbor as yourself) to help you review your recent past. There are also Examinations of Conscience online or on the MyParishApp or the Confession App which can help you recall your sins. Entering the reconciliation room, you will have the option to either kneel behind a screen and remain anonymous or go around the screen and sit in a chair, face to face with the priest. Do whichever is most comfortable for you. If you’ve never experienced a face to face confession, at some point give it a try. Believe it or not, being able to sit and have a conversation with the priest can actually be less apprehensive than remaining behind a screen. The priest will welcome you and together you can make the Sign of the Cross. If you remember the old formula “Bless me Father, for I have sinned…” you may say that or simply share with the priest about how long it has been since your last confession. This helps to give the priest some context for your confession. The priest may read a passage of Scripture. Next, share with the priest what is weighing you down, the sins – recent and past – which burden you with guilt. The priest may then offer you some counsel that may be helpful with your struggle. Then he will ask you to do a penance. This may be a prayer(s) or it may be an action you can perform. Then pray an Act of Contrition – an expression of sorrow to God for your sins. This can be one of the traditional prayers of contrition (O my God I am heartily sorry…) or you can express your sorrow in your own words. It can be as simple as saying you are sorry for these sins and pledge to amend your life. One suggested Act of Contrition in the Reconciliation Ritual book is from the story of the Pharisee and the Publican when the sinful man says, “Have mercy on me O God, a sinner.” Finally, the priest, extending his right hand toward you, will pray the prayer of absolution that reassures you that God has forgiven you. Listen to these words, they are very beautiful and powerful. Make the Sign of the Cross as the priest says, “I absolve you from your sins in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” The priest will then say something like, “Your sins are forgiven, go in peace.” You may then leave the Reconciliation Room. Try to remember to do your penance as soon after your confession as possible so you don’t forget. (Should you forget, don’t fret, your sins will still be forgiven). Remember, the priest is there for you as a facilitator of God’s healing and forgiveness, not a judge, and he will never reveal your sins to anyone else – this is the “seal of the confessional.” If for any reason things don’t go so well, you may wish to try going to a different priest. The reality is that some of us are better, more experienced at this than others. Also, priests are human, and any of us can have an off day. Don’t ever let a bad experience keep you from this wonderful sacrament. As the old saying goes, “If you fall off the horse (or bike), get back on and keep riding.”
