More about ConfessionConfession, or the sacrament of reconciliation, is a beautiful gift we have in the Catholic faith. Sin disrupts our relationship with God and confession repairs that. The priest, acting in the role of Christ, is able to absolve us of those sins and it's as if they never happened. Confession "brings about a true "spiritual resurrection," [and] restoration of the dignity and blessings of the life of the children of God, of which the most precious is friendship with God" (Catechism 1468).
Confession is an act of honesty and courage – an act of entrusting ourselves, beyond sin, to the mercy of a loving and forgiving God. -St. John Paul II |
Confession Times Confessional located in the back of the Chapel
Sunday- Friday
4:00-5:00 pm Wednesday 8:00-9:00 pm during Source & Summit *On weeks when Source & Summit is replaced with a Koinonia Mass there will not be confession during this time Please note that these are for the academic year, when classes are in session, check our Calendar for any changes to the schedule |
FAQs
Does Newman have Confession times?
During the academic semester, when classes are in session confession is available Sunday - Friday 4-5pm. Additionally, weekdays during this time, there is a Eucharistic Adoration so for the first and last few minutes the priest will be beginning or ending the time of adoration. Confession is also available Wednesday evenings during Source & Summit 8-9pm.
Where is the confessional?
The confessional is located in the main chapel, if you enter from the large wooden doors that face campus it will be to your left once you are in the chapel. In the back, there are three doors, the middle one is where the priest is, and then you can choose the right or the left for either face-to-face or through a screen (the doors are labeled). There is a light above the door that indicates if it is empty. If one of the lights is red that means someone is in there, wait until both are green and then you can go in to the side you choose.
What is an examination of conscience?
Prior to going to confession, an examination of conscience can help us to recall where we've fallen short. They are usually a list of questions to consider that relate to the commandments or Church teachings. It is important to remember that when reflecting on past sins there is a broader understanding of what they could be beyond the literal words of each commandment. The fifth commandment says "You shall not kill" (Lev 20:13) and this commandment can be understood to mean more than just not killing others, this could included willfully harming others or being reckless with your own wellbeing.
For an examination of conscience you can visit this website or there are pamphlets available near the confessional.
How do I go to Confession?
Before confession make an examination of conscience and have in mind the things you will be saying. After entering the confessional (either face-to-face or through a screen), you will start by saying the sign of the cross out loud and then "Bless me, Father for I have sinned. It has been [length of time] since my last confession." After this you can say your sins; you should be specific, but you don't need to tell a story or include every detail surrounding a sin. Once you are finished listing the sins you can conclude with "I'm sorry for these and all my sins," this also helps the priest know you are finished. The priest may say something or ask questions and after he will give a penance. This is something you are to do after, it could be a prayer or an action. Next, you will say an act of contrition. This prayer can be found in the pamphlets or you can offer one from your heart. The priest will then pray the prayer of absolution and at the end you will do the sign of the cross and say amen.
Check out this guide for more on how to go to confession: How to go to Confession
Will the priest tell someone what I've said?
No! The seal of confession is a very serious thing and a priest will never repeat anything that's said in the confessional. Even in the case of a crime or legal matter a priest will not and cannot be compelled to speak about something from the confessional. Priests also cannot use knowledge they've gained from the confessional in any way (Catechism 1467). If a priest were to break the seal of the confessional they would be excommunicated from the Church. The secrecy of confessions is a very sacred thing that is taken very seriously.
How often am I supposed to go to confession?
The Church teaches that Catholics should go to confession at least once a year, but it is recommend to go as needed. It is necessary to go to confession prior to receiving communion if you are in a state of mortal sin. (CCC 1457)
What is the difference between mortal & venial sin?
All sin is wrong but the Church makes a distinction that some kinds of sin are more damaging to our relationship with God. Mortal sin puts a severe break in our relationship God as we've chosen to turn away from Him, while venial sin wounds the relationship. It is also a sin to receive communion while aware of having committed a mortal sin. All sin harms our relationship with God and regular confession can help our relationship with God grew and help us resist temptations.
More can be found on sin in the Catechism 1854-1864 or here
What if it's been a long time since my last confession?
Welcome back! The confessional is a place of victory. If it's been a while take some prayerful time with an examination on conscience and review how to go to confession. Feel free to bring a guide or one of the pamphlets available outside the confessional if you need a reminder on how to do it. You can also tell the priest it's been awhile and the can help to remind you of how to do it and they're excited you're there too!
During the academic semester, when classes are in session confession is available Sunday - Friday 4-5pm. Additionally, weekdays during this time, there is a Eucharistic Adoration so for the first and last few minutes the priest will be beginning or ending the time of adoration. Confession is also available Wednesday evenings during Source & Summit 8-9pm.
Where is the confessional?
The confessional is located in the main chapel, if you enter from the large wooden doors that face campus it will be to your left once you are in the chapel. In the back, there are three doors, the middle one is where the priest is, and then you can choose the right or the left for either face-to-face or through a screen (the doors are labeled). There is a light above the door that indicates if it is empty. If one of the lights is red that means someone is in there, wait until both are green and then you can go in to the side you choose.
What is an examination of conscience?
Prior to going to confession, an examination of conscience can help us to recall where we've fallen short. They are usually a list of questions to consider that relate to the commandments or Church teachings. It is important to remember that when reflecting on past sins there is a broader understanding of what they could be beyond the literal words of each commandment. The fifth commandment says "You shall not kill" (Lev 20:13) and this commandment can be understood to mean more than just not killing others, this could included willfully harming others or being reckless with your own wellbeing.
For an examination of conscience you can visit this website or there are pamphlets available near the confessional.
How do I go to Confession?
Before confession make an examination of conscience and have in mind the things you will be saying. After entering the confessional (either face-to-face or through a screen), you will start by saying the sign of the cross out loud and then "Bless me, Father for I have sinned. It has been [length of time] since my last confession." After this you can say your sins; you should be specific, but you don't need to tell a story or include every detail surrounding a sin. Once you are finished listing the sins you can conclude with "I'm sorry for these and all my sins," this also helps the priest know you are finished. The priest may say something or ask questions and after he will give a penance. This is something you are to do after, it could be a prayer or an action. Next, you will say an act of contrition. This prayer can be found in the pamphlets or you can offer one from your heart. The priest will then pray the prayer of absolution and at the end you will do the sign of the cross and say amen.
Check out this guide for more on how to go to confession: How to go to Confession
Will the priest tell someone what I've said?
No! The seal of confession is a very serious thing and a priest will never repeat anything that's said in the confessional. Even in the case of a crime or legal matter a priest will not and cannot be compelled to speak about something from the confessional. Priests also cannot use knowledge they've gained from the confessional in any way (Catechism 1467). If a priest were to break the seal of the confessional they would be excommunicated from the Church. The secrecy of confessions is a very sacred thing that is taken very seriously.
How often am I supposed to go to confession?
The Church teaches that Catholics should go to confession at least once a year, but it is recommend to go as needed. It is necessary to go to confession prior to receiving communion if you are in a state of mortal sin. (CCC 1457)
What is the difference between mortal & venial sin?
All sin is wrong but the Church makes a distinction that some kinds of sin are more damaging to our relationship with God. Mortal sin puts a severe break in our relationship God as we've chosen to turn away from Him, while venial sin wounds the relationship. It is also a sin to receive communion while aware of having committed a mortal sin. All sin harms our relationship with God and regular confession can help our relationship with God grew and help us resist temptations.
More can be found on sin in the Catechism 1854-1864 or here
What if it's been a long time since my last confession?
Welcome back! The confessional is a place of victory. If it's been a while take some prayerful time with an examination on conscience and review how to go to confession. Feel free to bring a guide or one of the pamphlets available outside the confessional if you need a reminder on how to do it. You can also tell the priest it's been awhile and the can help to remind you of how to do it and they're excited you're there too!
More on Confession
Check out these videos for more on Confession!
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For more on the sacrament of reconciliation you can also you can check paragraphs 1440-1470 in the Catechism of the Catholic Church
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