St. Columba ParishThe Sacrament of Reconciliation is where we hand over what we regret and receive God's forgiveness, spoken out loud by the priest. It takes five minutes. Nothing you say can ever be repeated by the priest, under any circumstances.
Regular times
- 3:30 – 4:30 PM
- 6:15 – 6:45 PM
- 7:00 – 7:45 PMduring Adoration
By appointment
- Call 416-555-0142
- Ask a priest after any Mass
- Home or hospital visitfor the sick
Penitential services
- Adventmid-December
- LentMonday of Holy Week
- Several priests available
How to go to confession
Prepare
Spend a few minutes in the church thinking honestly about your life since your last confession. The examination of conscience below can help.
Begin
Enter the confessional — you may kneel behind the screen or sit face to face. Say: "Bless me, Father, for I have sinned. It has been (however long) since my last confession." If you have forgotten how it goes, say so; the priest will guide you.
Confess
Name your sins simply and honestly. You do not need to explain or excuse them. If unsure whether something is a sin, ask.
Listen
The priest may offer a word of advice, then gives a penance — usually a prayer or a small act of kindness.
Act of Contrition
Pray the Act of Contrition (below). The priest then says the prayer of absolution: "…I absolve you from your sins in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit." Answer "Amen."
Go in peace
Do your penance soon, and thank God. That is all.
O 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 Saviour Jesus Christ suffered and died for us. In his name, my God, have mercy. Amen.
Act of Contrition
Examination of conscience
For adults
- Has God been first in my life, or have I let work, money, comfort or fear take his place? Have I prayed?
- Have I kept Sunday holy? Have I missed Mass through my own fault?
- Have I used God's name carelessly, or spoken of my faith with contempt?
- Have I honoured my parents and cared for my family? Have I been patient with my children, faithful to my spouse, present to my ageing parents?
- Have I harmed anyone — by anger, violence, contempt, gossip, prejudice, or neglect of someone in need?
- Have I been faithful and chaste in thought and action, according to my state in life?
- Have I been honest — in my work, my taxes, my promises? Have I taken what was not mine?
- Have I told the truth, kept confidences, and refused to damage another's reputation?
- Have I been envious, or greedy, or ungrateful for what I have?
- What good have I left undone that I could have done?
For young people
- Do I talk to God, or only when I need something?
- Do I go to Mass willingly, or make it a fight?
- How do I treat my parents, brothers and sisters? Do I help at home?
- Am I kind to people at school who are left out? Have I bullied, mocked or excluded anyone, in person or online?
- Am I honest — about homework, about where I've been, about what I've done?
- Do I treat my body and other people's bodies with respect? What do I look at online?
- Have I taken things that aren't mine, or damaged things on purpose?
- Do I say sorry and forgive when someone hurts me?
Questions
It has been twenty years. Where do I start?
Start by coming. Tell the priest it has been a long time and he will walk you through every step. Priests are always glad — not shocked — when someone returns.
Do I have to confess to a priest I know?
No. Both priests hear confessions, the screen is always available, and you may go to any parish. The seal of confession is absolute.
What if I forget a sin?
If you honestly forgot, it is forgiven with the rest. Mention it next time if it still troubles you.
Can children go to confession?
Children make their First Reconciliation in Grade 2, before First Communion, and are encouraged to come at the regular times with their parents afterwards. See First Reconciliation & Communion.