Confession typically takes 5-10 minutes. If it's your first confession as an adult or it's been a while and you think it might take longer than 20 minutes, call the office at (757) 421-7416 to schedule an appointment with Father Charles.
2. Arrival. The Reconciliation Room is in the back left side of church. When you arrive, pick a number from the box on the Baptismal font. Kneel near the back of church to prepare your heart. Listen for your number, then enter the Reconciliation Room. You have the option to go anonymously behind a screen or face-to-face.
3. Greeting and Blessing. After the priest greets you, make the Sign of the Cross and say:
Bless me Father for I have sinned. It has been (state how long) since my last confession. These are my sins.
4. Confession of Sins. Tell your sins simply and honestly to the priest. Don’t engage in a discussion. Just list out your sins, say your Act of Contrition and move on. Set up an appointment with the priest if you want to have a discussion. When you are finished, indicate this by saying,
For these and all my sins, I ask forgiveness of God and absolution from you, Father.
5. Acceptance of Penance. After you've listed your sins, the priest will take a few minutes to offer guidance or reflection. Then, he will give you a penance to be performed in reparation for your sins.
6. Act of Contrition. Once the priest has given you your penance, he will ask you to make an Act of Contrition. This prayer hangs on the wall of our confessional, so no need to memorize.
Oh 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.
7. Prayer of Absolution. The priest, acting in the person of Christ, will absolve you from your sins by saying, “I absolve you from your sins in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.” You respond by making the Sign of the Cross and saying,
Amen.
8. Closing. The priest will then conclude with, ”The Lord has freed you from your sins. Go in peace." And you respond,
Thanks be to God.
9. Perform Your Penance. The final part of Confession is fulfilling our penance. Sometimes this can be done rather quickly in church after the Sacrament, and sometimes it takes more intention and time. Spend some time with Our Lord thanking and praising Him for the gift of His mercy.