St. Michael the Archangel
ST. MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL
SIESTA KEY
Penance and Reconciliation
The thought of confessing our sins can be a nerve-racking experience. We can be nervous or frightened about admitting to something we've thought, done, or not done. But keep in mind that we are ALL sinners. Don’t let nerves or fear hold you back from reconciling yourself with God. However long it has been, however bad the sin, however embarrassed you feel – don’t let anything stop you from going to confession.
Keep in mind that it is the Lord we meet in confession. Yes, we are speaking to a priest, maybe even a priest you know, but what matters is the presence of Jesus in our life through the ministry of the priest, and not the priest himself. Christ touches our life through each priest, whoever he is; and every priest will keep your confession absolutely secret for the rest of his life. But if your fear or embarrassment is keeping you from going to confession, try going to a different church, one where you don't know the priest. The important thing is that you go.
A good habit is to briefly examine your conscience at the end of each day, and make an act of contrition. In this way you will become more sensitive to what is really happening in your own life, and you will be more prepared and more honest as you come to confession. Try to go regularly, perhaps every month. This makes it easier for you to remember your sins and experience God's love and forgiveness. Holding onto guilt and shame for long periods of time is hard for anyone. Confess and reconcile with your Heavenly Father.
We offer Reconciliation every Saturday from 3pm to 3:30pm.
Resources:
https://www.usccb.org/resources/Bulletin-Insert-Penance-ENG.pdf