Penance and Reconciliation
Those who approach the sacrament of Penance obtain pardon from God’s mercy for the offense committed against him and are, at the same time, reconciled with the Church, which they have wounded by their sins. By this sacrament, the sinner is placed once more in the grace of God and in communion with the Saints.
The Stole
Worn by the priest, this vestment symbolizes his authority as an ordained minister acting in persona Christi (in the person of Christ) to grant absolution and represent the Church.
The Laying on of Hands (or outstretched hands)
Often performed by the priest while saying the prayer of absolution, this gesture symbolizes the power of the Holy Spirit being invoked to reconcile the penitent with God and the Church.
The Sign of the Cross:
Made by the priest as he pronounces the words of absolution, this signifies that the forgiveness of sins is granted through the power and merit of Christ’s sacrifice on the Cross
How to go to Confession
- 1. You always have the option to go to confession anonymously, that is, behind a screen or face to face, if you so desire.
- 2. After the priest greets you in the name of Christ, make the sign of the cross. He may choose to recite a reading from Scripture, after which you say: “Bless me Father for I have sinned. It has been (state how long) since my last confession. These are my sins.”
- 3. Tell your sins simply and honestly to the priest. You might even want to discuss the circumstances and the root causes of your sins and ask the priest for advice or direction.
- 4. Listen to the advice the priest gives you and accept the penance from him. Then make an Act of Contrition for your sins.
- 5. The priest will then dismiss you with the words of praise: “Give thanks to the Lord for He is good. You respond: “For His mercy endures forever.” The priest will then conclude with:”The Lord has freed you from your sins. Go in peace.” And you respond by saying: “Thanks be to God.”
Reconciliations Opportunities
Tuesday: 9:00 am to 9:30 am
Saturday: 2:30 to 3:30
Contact Us
We’re Here to Help You
If you have any questions, please contact our Office
faithformation@stpaulleeburg.org
Office Hours
Monday – Friday
08:30 – 4:00 pm
Address
1330 Sunshine Ave.
Leesburg, FL 34748