The Sacrament of Penance is heard at St. Catherine Laboure every Saturday from 3:00 P.M. to 4:30 P.M., or anytime by advance appointment made by calling 517-524-7518. 
First Holy Penance  normally takes place the month of February  for children who are in 2nd Grade.  See Faith Formation 2nd Grade Class for full information on St. Catherine’s 2nd grade class.

The Reconciliation Chapel is located to the right back of the Church. The room is arranged for anonymous or face to face confession according to the choice of the penitent.

Every good Confession starts with a sincere sorrow for one’s sins and a desire for forgiveness and a new life in the Lord.

Before approaching the sacrament, one should make a good Examination of Consicience – an honest review of life. 

Upon entering the Reconciliation Chapel, either sit in the chair for face to face Confession, or kneel behind the screen. Begin by making the Sign of the Cross while saying the words, “Bless me Father for I have sinned. It has been _____ weeks / months / etc. since my last Confession. These are my sins.”

Next confess your sins by type and number of times committed, as best you are able. Be confident in the knowledge that your Confession is under a seal of absolute secrecy, and that no sin is beyond God’s desire and power to forgive.

At this point the priest may ask you for clarification and / or offer you spiritual counsel.

He will then assign you a penance – prayers or actions to be completed after you leave the Reconciliation Chapel.

The priest will then ask you to make an Act of Contrition. A sample Act of Contrition is provided below.

Finally, the priest will give you absolution, speaking Christ’s own words of forgiveness. When he says “In the Name of the Father…” you should make the Sign of the Cross.

Above all, try to approach the Sacrament of Confession with confidence in God’s mercy. If it has been a long while since your last Confession, know that the Church (and the priest) rejoices at this new grace moving in your life. If you are not sure how to confess, just tell that to the priest and he will happily guide you along.

An Act of Contrition:

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.