Returning to Confession: A Path Back to Grace

Lent is a sacred time of renewal—a season where God invites us to return to Him with all our heart. If it’s been a while since your last confession, you’re not alone. Many of us carry burdens we were never meant to carry alone. The good news? God’s mercy is waiting.

"The Light Is On" Confessions
Join us for confession at Holy Family Church:
April 7–10
6:00–7:00 PM each night

Whether it’s been months, years, or decades, come as you are. There’s no judgment—only mercy.

How to Go to Confession: A Simple Guide

1. Examine your conscience
   Reflect on your life. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you see where you’ve turned away from God.

2. Go to the priest
   Begin with the Sign of the Cross. Say, “Bless me, Father, for I have sinned. It has been [how long] since my last confession.”

3. Confess your sins
   Be honest and sincere. God already knows—He’s just waiting for you to bring them into the light.

4. Receive a penance
   The priest may give you a prayer or act of charity to do in response to God’s mercy.

5. Pray an Act of Contrition
   Express your sorrow and desire to change. The priest will guide you if needed.

6. Receive absolution
   Through the priest, Christ Himself forgives you. Let that grace flood your heart.

If you’ve been away from the sacrament, this Lent is the perfect time to come home. Mercy is not earned—it’s freely given. Let Him love you.

Examination of Conscience Based on the Ten Commandments

1. I am the Lord your God. You shall not have strange gods before me.

• Have I made time for God each day in prayer?

• Have I placed money, work, success, or pleasure above God?

• Do I seek to know, love, and serve Him?

2. You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain.

• Have I used God’s name carelessly, in anger, or disrespect?

• Have I spoken irreverently of holy people or things?

3. Remember to keep holy the Lord’s Day.

• Have I deliberately missed Mass on Sunday or Holy Days of Obligation?

• Do I keep Sunday as a day of rest and worship?

4. Honor your father and your mother.

• Have I shown disrespect or disobedience to my parents or those in authority?

• Do I nurture peace and love within my family?

5. You shall not kill.

• Have I hurt others through anger, hatred, gossip, or revenge?

• Do I harbor unforgiveness?

• Have I cared for my physical and mental health?

• Have I supported or condoned abortion, euthanasia, or other attacks on human life?

6. You shall not commit adultery.

• Have I been faithful to my spouse in thought and action?

• Have I engaged in impure actions or entertained impure thoughts?

• Do I respect the dignity of others, including online?

7. You shall not steal.

• Have I taken what is not mine?

• Have I been honest in work and dealings?

• Have I used time or resources wastefully?

8. You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.

• Have I lied or deceived others?

• Do I gossip or speak poorly of others?

• Have I judged others unfairly?

9. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife.

• Have I allowed lustful thoughts to take root in my mind or heart?

• Do I respect the gift of sexuality as God intends?

10. You shall not covet your neighbor’s goods.

• Have I been envious or jealous of others’ possessions or success?

• Do I trust in God’s provision for my life?