A sacred moment to receive God’s mercy, reconcile with Him and the Church, and renew our commitment to live by His grace.
Sacraments

Confession

A sacred moment to receive God’s mercy, reconcile with Him and the Church, and renew our commitment to live by His grace.
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A sacred moment to receive God’s mercy, reconcile with Him and the Church, and renew our commitment to live by His grace.

Introduction to Confession

Confession, also known as the Sacrament of Reconciliation or Penance, is a profound practice within the Catholic Church where individuals confess their sins to a priest to receive forgiveness and reconcile with God and the Church. It is an experience of the gift of God's boundless mercy.

What is Confession?

Confession is one of the seven sacraments recognized by the Catholic Church. It provides a means for the faithful to receive God's mercy for sins committed after Baptism. Through this sacrament, Catholics confess their sins to a priest, who acts in the person of Christ, and receive absolution, thereby restoring their relationship with God and the Church.

The Process of Confession

The sacrament typically involves several key steps: examining one's conscience, confessing sins to a priest, receiving a penance, and performing an act of contrition. The priest then absolves the penitent from their sins, completing the reconciliation process.

The Importance of Confession

Confession is crucial for spiritual growth and healing. It allows individuals to reflect on their moral choices, express remorse for their sins, and resolve to improve. This sacrament reaffirms the believer's need for God's grace and aids in spiritual renewal and inner peace.

Regular Participation

The Church encourages frequent confession, not only for mortal sins but also for venial sins, as it helps the faithful to grow in holiness, fight against evil tendencies, and live a more virtuous life. Regular confession strengthens the spiritual life and deepens one's relationship with God.

The Role of the Priest

In Confession, the priest represents Christ and the Church. He offers guidance, assigns penance, and absolves the penitent in the name of Christ. This role is critical as it ensures the confidentiality and effectiveness of the sacrament, providing spiritual support and accountability.

Conclusion

Confession is a sacred opportunity to confront personal failings and seek renewal through God's infinite mercy. It plays a vital role in the spiritual lives of Catholics, offering a path to forgiveness and the means to strive for a closer, more committed relationship with God.

Jesus entrusted the ministry of reconciliation to the Church.  The Sacrament of Penance is God's gift to us so that any sin committed after Baptism can be forgiven.  In confession we have the opportunity to repent and recover the grace of friendship with God. It is a holy moment in which we place ourselves in his presence and honestly acknowledge our sins, especially mortal sins.  With absolution, we are reconciled to God and the Church. The Sacrament helps us stay close to the truth that we cannot live without God. "In him we live and move and have our being" (Acts 17:28) (USCCB, 2024).

First Reconciliation

Preparation for children under age 10 is done through the “Living Liturgically” program. Contact Charlotte Dickey at 850-303-1200 or via e-mail charlotte.dickey@saintjohnpc.org.

Examination of Conscience

View the examination of conscience below or click here to view the handout (and download).

Fr. Mike Schmitz

Going to Confession for the First Time in a Long Time

Fr. Mike Schmitz guides newcomers and returnees on the confession process.

Fr. Mike Schmitz and Fr. Josh Johnson

Pocket Guide to the Sacrament of Reconciliation

Essential reading by Fr. Mike Schmitz for understanding confession's spiritual benefits.

Scott Hahn

The Healing Power of Confession

Scott Hahn discusses the transformative and healing aspects of confession.

Catholic Answers

Confession through a Ministerial Priest

Explores the unique role of priests in the sacrament of confession.

Catholic Online

Sacrament of Reconciliation Explained

A detailed visual walkthrough of what to expect during confession.