The sacrament of Reconciliation is one of two sacraments of healing. It is the sacrament that brings spiritual healing for Catholics who have distanced themselves from God by committing sins. There are four elements involved: 1) the penitent’s contrition for sin; 2) confession to a priest; 3) absolution by the priest; and 4) satisfaction.
Through penance, we receive pardon through God's mercy for sins committed. At the same time, we are reconciled with the Church community. The confession, or disclosure, of sins frees us and facilitates our reconciliation with others.
Saturday, 2:45 PM to 3:45 PM at St. Athanasius
Or by appointment with Clergy. Please call the collaborative office at 781-944-0490 to schedule.
The Act of Contrition is a powerful prayer of penance that is prayed after confessing one's sins to a priest in confession. After making an act of contrition, the priest will grant absolution to the penitent, absolving him/her of their sins by the grace of God.There are many different versions of the Act of Contrition. Here are a few:
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 in the near occasion of sin. Amen.
OR
O my God, I am heartily sorry for having offended Thee,
and I detest all my sins,
because I dread the loss of heaven, and the pains of hell;
but most of all because they offend Thee, my God,
Who are all good and deserving of all my love.
I firmly resolve, with the help of Thy grace,
to confess my sins, to do penance,
and to amend my life. Amen.
OR
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. Amen.