Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation

Through the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation, God offers mercy and forgiveness. In response to this gift, we are called to become vehicles of Christ's love, making amends and restoring justice and the bonds that have been broken. Healed and forgiven, we are sent to work for peace, justice and love in our communities and world.

An examination of conscience helps you prepare for receiving this sacrament of healing. It helps you call to mind the moments when violence was done to your relationship with God by your sins. Here are some helpful options for you to consider:

• Based on the Ten Commandments
• In the Public Square
• In Light of Catholic Social Teaching
• For Children
• For Young Adults
• For Single People
• For Married Persons

Toward the end of the celebration of the sacrament, you will be invited to pray an act of contrition. Here are some options for you to consider. We suggest you find one that helps you better understand and receive God's loving mercy:

Option 1: O my God, I am sorry and repent with all my heart for all the wrong I have done and for the good I have failed to do, because by sinning I have offended you, who are all good and worthy to be loved above all things. I firmly resolve, with the help of your grace, to do penance, to sin no more, and to avoid the occasions of sin. Through the merits of the Passion of our Savior Jesus Christ, Lord, have mercy. Amen.

Option 2: Remember, Lord, the compassion and mercy you showed long ago. Do not recall my sins and failings. In your mercy remember me, Lord, because of your goodness. Amen.

Option 3: Wash me, O Lord, from my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. I acknowledge my offense; my sin is before me always. Amen.

Option 4: Father, I have sinned against you and I am not worthy to be called your son. Be merciful to me, a sinner. Amen.

Option 5: O God, most merciful Father, like the Prodigal Son, I turn to you and say: I have sinned against you; I am no longer worthy to be called your child.  O Jesus Christ, Savior of the world,  like the thief to whom you opened the gates of Paradise, I beg you: Lord, remember me in your Kingdom. O Holy Spirit, fount of love, with trust I call upon you: Purify me; make me walk as a child of the light. Amen.

Option 6: Lord Jesus, who opened the eyes of the blind, healed the sick, forgave the sinful woman, and, after his denial, confirmed Peter in your love, hear my plea:  forgive all my sins, renew me in your love, and grant that I may live in perfect communion with my brothers and sisters and so proclaim your salvation to all. Amen.

Option 7: Lord Jesus, who chose to be called the friend of sinners, through the mystery of your Death and Resurrection, free me from my sins. May your peace grow strong in me, that I may bear the fruits of charity, justice, and truth. Amen.

Option 8: Lord Jesus Christ, Lamb of God, who take away the sin of the world, through the grace of the Holy Spirit be pleased to reconcile me with your Father; cleanse me in your Blood from every fault and make me fully alive to the praise of your glory. Amen.

Option 9: Have mercy on me, O God, according to your merciful love; turn your face from my sins and blot out all my guilt; create a pure heart in me, O God, renew an upright spirit deep within me. Amen.

Option 10: Lord Jesus, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner. Amen.

Option 11: O my God, I am heartily sorry for having offended you, and I detest all my sins because of your just punishments, but most of all because they offend you, my God, who are all good and deserving of all my love. I firmly resolve, with the help of your grace, to sin no more and to avoid the near occasions of sin. Amen.

The Faith Formation program prepares children in the second grade to receive their First Reconciliation. Children should be enrolled in Faith Formation class. For more information about this program, see the Elementary Faith Formation page, or contact our Elementary School Coordinator at (512) 258-1944.

The Faith Formation program coordinates the "Older Student Sacrament Preparation" program, which is a two-year program in coordination with regular Faith Formation. For more information, refer to the Faith Formation main page, or contact the Faith Formation office at (512) 258-1944.

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) prepares adults to receive the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist.  For more information about the RCIA process contact the Director of Adult Faith Formation at (512) 258-1944 or visit our "Becoming Catholic" page.