Sacrament of Confession

Schedule

By Appointment:

Text: 0906-2712197
Call: 89290419

CONFESSION WHEN NO PRIEST IS AVAILABLE

Due to the PANDEMIC, the opportunity for confession is extremely difficult; hence, we follow what the Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches us when there is the need for confession in a situation when no priest is available.

Pope Francis, echoing the Catechism nos. 1451 and 1452, has made this clarification amid this problematic pastoral situation:

 “I know that many of you go to confession before Easter… Many will say to me: ‘But Father…I can't leave the house and I want to make my peace with the Lord. I want Him to embrace me… How can I do that unless I find a priest?’ Do what the catechism says. It's very clear. If you don't find a priest to go to confession, speak to God. He's your Father. Tell Him the truth: ‘Lord. I did this and this and this. Pardon me.’ Ask His forgiveness with all your heart with an act of contrition, and promise Him, ‘afterward I will go to confession.’ You will return to God's grace immediately. You yourself can draw near, as the catechism teaches us, to God's forgiveness, without having a priest at hand.” (Homily, Casa Santa Marta Chapel, Pope Francis, March 20, 2020).

Three essential elements of confession without having a priest at hand:

1) Confession of sins to God
2) Act of Perfect Contrition
3) Resolution to go to sacramental confession as soon as it is possible

A PRAYER RITUAL to guide us...

Preparation: Find a quiet space; light a candle; quieten your mind, turning to our Lord Jesus.

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

Reading: Hosea 6:1-3

Come, let us return to the Lord; for it is he who has torn, and he will heal us; he has struck down and he will bind us up. After two days he will revive us; on the third day he will raise us up, that we may live before him. Let us know, let us press on to know the Lord; his appearing is as sure as the dawn; he will come to us like the showers, like the spring rains that water the earth.

Take a quiet moment to reflect on these words…

Confession:  Speak directly to God our Father – tell him your sins… then pray…

“Father, forgive me for these and all my sins as I ask your pardon with all my heart.”

“I resolve to have recourse to sacramental confession as soon as it is possible.”

Act of Contrition:

 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 Saviour Jesus Christ suffered and died for us. In his name, my God, have mercy on me. Amen.