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Sacred Heart Church - The Heart and Hands of the Community

Reconciliation

" [Jesus] said to them again, 'Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.' And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, 'Receive the Holy Spirit. Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained.'" (Jn 20:21-23)

Why do we need to go to Confession:

Not only does it [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).  

~from the Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1455)

When can I go to Confession:

Here at Sacred Heart, the sacrament of Reconciliation (Penance or Confession) takes place in the confessional rooms in the Church on Saturdays from 11:30 to 12 Noon and again at 1:30pm.  Confessions may also be heard by appointment, by calling (973) 748-1800.

The Catholic Churches of Bloomfield (Sacred Heart, St. Valentine, & St. Thomas the Apostle) host on a rotating basis seasonal Penance Services, for both Advent and Lent.  Additionally, Sacred Heart affords additional weekly opportunities during the season of Lent. Consult the online calendar or the bulletin for place, date and time.

How do I go to Confession:

 

 

Act of Contrition (traditional)

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 occasion of sin. Amen.

 

Act of Contrition (alternate form)

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.

Our Savior Jesus Christ suffered and died for us. In his name, my God, have mercy.