Not only does the Sacrament of Penance free us from our sins but it also challenges us to have the same kind of compassion and forgiveness for those who sin against us.  We are liberated to be forgivers.  We obtain new insight into the words of the Prayer of St. Francis: "It is in pardoning that we are pardoned."

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)

Saturday, 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM 
 By appointment with Fr. John Fain (517) 487-3749
 

CONFESSION:
1. Upon entering the confessional take your place. You may choose to either confess by going behind the screen or by going face-to-face. Depending on the confessional, you may either kneel or sit.

2. Greet the priest. A simple “Good Morning” or “Good Evening” will do.

3. Then make the sign of the Cross and say the following: “Bless me father, for I have sinned. It has been (state how many days, weeks, months, or years) since my last confession. These are my sins...”

4. At this time, confess your sins briefly and clearly.  Remember that for a confession to be valid all mortal (serious) sins must be confessed. If you do not know whether a sin is mortal or not, ask the priest for guidance. If you do not know what to say, feel uneasy or ashamed, simply ask the priest to assist you. Be assured that he will help you to make a good confession. Simply answer the questions he might ask you without hiding anything out of shame or fear. Place your trust in God who is your merciful Father and wants to forgive you.

5. When you finish confessing your sins, say: “…and I am truly sorry for all my sins.”

6. The priest will then give you some words of advice and/or encouragement to help you become a better person and a more faithful disciple of Jesus Christ.

7. Following this, he will assign you a penance which you are to do when you leave the confessional. It might be something like saying a few prayers, doing an act of charity, or making some sacrifice. Whatever it is, make sure that you understand it clearly and that you remember to do it later.

8. After giving you the penance, the priest will ask you to say the Act of Contrition. You may say whichever one you know.  For example,
"O my God, I am heartily sorry for having offended Thee.  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"
If you do not know an Act of Contrition, ask the priest to assist you.

9. When you are finished praying the Act of Contrition, the priest will say the Prayer of Absolution. Listen attentively to that prayer, bless yourself as he makes the Sign of the Cross and at the end of the prayer, answer, “Amen.”

10. After giving you absolution, the priest concludes by saying, “Your sins are forgiven. Go in peace.” and you respond, “Thanks be to God.”

AFTER CONFESSION:
1. Say a prayer of thanksgiving. Give thanks to God for the gift of his infinite mercy and for the sacrament you have just received.

2. Do your penance. It is advisable that you do your penance as soon as possible so that you will not forget to do it