CONFESSION
This sacrament of healing, forgiveness and growth has always been a special treasure to Catholics over the centuries. The Lord Himself restored physical health to many and to many more forgave them their sins. Jesus Himself has willed that His Church continue, through the power of the Holy Spirit, His work of healing, repentance and salvation. Believers, by their vocation, are called in their spiritual lives to work for conversation and repentance. This is an ongoing process. The believer, humbly acknowledging their sins, and with a spirit of contrition, turns to God for healing of soul and peace of mind.
This experience, like many forms of growth, involves talking with another human being. In Christ's plan, the priest is always available to hear and listen to our problems and forgive the sins of the penitent in Christ's name.
Unfortunately, Catholics for many reasons have taken advantage of this sacrament all too infrequently. Strictly speaking, we are obliged to confess our sins only when very serious sins have been committed, but confession of our other sins and weaknesses is encouraged because it helps us to form our conscience, ward off evil inclinations and grow in the life of the Holy Spirit, ie: CATECHISM OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH, #1458
Personally, I encourage all parishioners to approach this Sacrament often, but at least twice a year, once during Advent, just before Christmas and once during Lent, just before Easter.
The "Seal" of the sacrament means that a priest can never reveal to anyone what he has heard in a penitent's confession. At times fear, shame and forgetting what to do and say keeps a believer from approaching the sacrament. Do not hesitate to ask a priest for help in confession. Approach this sacrament when needed and let your faith and love of God be stronger than your shame and fear.
For more information about the Sacrament of Confession, visit A Guide to Confession.
You can view the recent copy of our Confession guide: HERE.
Confessions are available
Saturday mornings at St. Joseph's 8:30am
Saturday afternoons at St. Michael's 3pm - 3:45pm
Wednesday nights at St. Joseph's 5pm - 5:30pm
You can always schedule a confession by calling the parish office.