Penance & Reconciliation
“And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and said to them, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.’” (John 20:22–23)
About Penance & Reconciliation
The sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation is the ordinary way the baptized are reconciled to God and to the Church after sin. After His Resurrection, Christ appeared to the Apostles, breathed on them, and entrusted to them the ministry of forgiveness. Through the bishops, their successors, and the priests who share in their ministry, Christ continues to forgive sins and restore sinners to grace.
In this sacrament we confess our sins with repentance, receive absolution from the priest, and are reconciled with God and the Church. The Catechism teaches that this sacrament brings pardon and peace, restores sanctifying grace if it has been lost, and gives strength to resist sin and begin again in the life of holiness.
Reconciliation is not merely a human conversation or a symbol of forgiveness. In this sacrament, Christ Himself acts through the ministry of the priest to heal, forgive, and renew the sinner. It is a sacrament of God’s mercy that calls us to conversion, restores us to grace, and reconciles us with God and the Church.
Confession at St. Patrick
Saturday: 3:45–4:45 PM
Sunday: 11:00–11:45 AM
After you pass through the inner doors into the main church, the confessional is on the left side. Those waiting for Confession are welcome to sit in the nearby pew to pray, reflect, and prepare quietly.
Confessions are also available by appointment. Please contact the parish office.
Helpful Resources
Use the resources below to prepare well for the sacrament and to save regular Confession times to your calendar.
How to Go to Confession
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🙏 Prepare (Examination of Conscience)
Spend some time in prayer asking the Holy Spirit to help you remember your sins.
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✝ Enter and Begin
You can choose to confess by either kneeling behind the privacy screen or by sitting in the chair next to the priest. Make the Sign of the Cross and say: “Bless me, Father, for I have sinned.” If you can remember, state how long it has been since your last confession.
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🕊 Confess Your Sins
Confess mortal sins in kind and number; include serious venial sins you wish to confess.
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📿 Receive Counsel and a Penance
The priest may offer you spiritual guidance and will assign a penance.
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❤️ Pray an Act of Contrition
The Act of Contrition is posted in the confessional. Pray it sincerely, with trust in God’s mercy.
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✨ Receive Absolution
The priest extends his hand and prays the words of absolution. Make the Sign of the Cross and respond, “Amen.”
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🌿 Complete Your Penance
Complete your penance as soon as possible. Feel free to enter one of the pews to pray, do your penance, and thank God for His infinite love and mercy.
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Act of Contrition
O my God, I am heartily sorry for having offended you, and I detest all my sins because of your just punishments, but most of all because they offend you, my God, who are all good and deserving of all my love. I firmly resolve, with the help of your grace, to sin no more and to avoid the near occasions of sin. Amen.
Helpful Notes
Forgot a mortal sin? Mention it at your next Confession; you are still forgiven of sins you forgot unintentionally.
Haven’t been in years? Welcome back. Tell the priest, and it is okay to ask for help.
By appointment: Confessions are also available by appointment. Call (423) 586-9174 or email stpatricktn@gmail.com.
Been Away for a Long Time?
You are welcome here. No matter how long it has been, Christ is ready to forgive. If you are unsure what to do, simply tell the priest. He will help you.
If you would prefer more time or personal guidance, confessions are also available by appointment through the parish office.