Sacrament of Reconciliation during the current pandemic

Act of Perfect Contrition: The Holy Father has recently drawn attention to the fact that, before Easter, many faithful go to Confession to meet with God again. "However," he acknowledged, "many will say to me today: 'But, Father, where can I find a priest, a confessor, because one can't leave home? And I want to make peace with the Lord, I want Him to embrace me, that my Papa embrace me . . . What can I do if I can't find priests?'" "Do what the Catechism says," the Pope stressed, "it's very clear: if you don't find a priest to hear your Confession, talk with God, He is your Father, and tell Him the truth: 'Lord, I've done this, and that, and that . . . I'm sorry,' and ask Him for forgiveness with all your heart, with the Act of Contrition and promise Him: 'Afterwards I will go to Confession but forgive me now.'... If you do all this," Francis said, "you will return to God's grace immediately."- Pope Francis, Daily Mass Homily, Friday of the Third Week in Lent,"  March 20, 2020

Examination of Conscience

While there is no set formula for making a Perfect Act of Contrition, a common one reads as follows:

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

Reconciliation

The Sacrament of Reconciliation is one of the most unique and beautiful aspects of Catholicism. Jesus Christ, in His abundant love and mercy, established the Sacrament of Confession, so that we as sinners can obtain forgiveness for our sins and reconcile with God and the Church. The sacrament “washes us clean,” and renews us in Christ.

“Jesus said to them again, ‘Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I send you.’ And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and said to them, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained’” (John 20:21-23).

Reconciliation Times

Saturdays 3:30 PM or by appointment ~ call the Parish Office (208) 343-9041

Preparation for Reconciliation:

Be truly sorry for your sins. The essential act of Penance, on the part of the penitent, is contrition, a clear and decisive rejection of the sin committed, together with a resolution not to commit it again, out of the love one has for God and which is reborn with repentance. The resolution to avoid committing these sins in the future (amendment) is a sure sign that your sorrow is genuine and authentic. This does not mean that a promise never to fall again into sin is necessary. A resolution to try to avoid the near occasions of sin suffices for true repentance. God's grace in cooperation with the intention to rectify your life will give you the strength to resist and overcome temptation in the future. Preparing with a Examination of Conscience is a great start! Feel free to use this examination to get your started on preparing yourself for Reconciliation.

Preparation for 1st Reconciliation:

Begins in September of the Second year of religious education for children 7 years and older. Contact Tina Pinnoose for more information