Reconciliation Times
Saturdays 3:30 PM or by appointment ~ call the Parish Office (208) 343-9041
The Sacrament of Penance—also known as Confession or Reconciliation—is one of the most beautiful gifts of healing given to us by Christ. In His abundant love and infinite divine mercy, Jesus established this Holy Sacrament so that we, when we fall into sin, can obtain forgiveness, receive sanctifying grace, and be perfectly reconciled with God and His Church.
As the Catechism reminds us, sin wounds our relationship with God and damages our communion with the Church. Confession is the spiritual hospital where those wounds are healed. It washes us clean, restores our baptismal purity, and renews us in Christ.
How to Make a Good Confession
If it has been a long time since your last Confession, please do not be afraid! The priest is there to welcome you with the heart of Christ, the Good Shepherd. Here is a simple guide to help you prepare:
1. Examine Your Conscience
Before entering the confessional, spend a few quiet moments in prayer reflecting on your thoughts, words, and actions since your last Confession.
2. Enter the Confessional
You may choose to confess your sins anonymously behind the screen or face-to-face with the priest. Begin by making the Sign of the Cross:
"Bless me, Father, for I have sinned. It has been [state how long] since my last Confession."
3. Confess Your Sins
Sincerity is key. Confess all mortal sins in kind and number, as well as venial sins. Listen to any counsel or spiritual advice the priest offers, and accept the penance he assigns you to help amend your life.
4. Pray the Act of Contrition
When prompted by the priest, express your sorrow for sin by reciting the Act of Contrition:
The Act of Contrition O my God, I am heartily sorry for having offended Thee, and I detest all my sins because of thy just punishments, but most of all because they offend Thee, my God, who art all good and deserving of all my love. I firmly resolve with the help of Thy grace to sin no more and to avoid the near occasions of sin. Amen.
5. Receive Absolution and Dismissal
Listen to the beautiful words of Absolution as the priest acts in persona Christi (in the person of Christ) to loose you from your sins. Respond: "Amen." The priest will conclude by dismissing you in peace.
6. Fulfill Your Penance
Return to the pews to offer a prayer of thanksgiving to God for His mercy, and complete the penance assigned to you by the priest.
Need to schedule an appointment? If you are unable to make our scheduled Confession times or would like to speak with a priest at length, please contact the Parish Office at 208-343-9041 to schedule a private appointment.
Preparation for 1st Reconciliation:
Begins in September of the Second year of religious education for children 7 years and older. Contact Tina Punnoose for more information