Return to the Lord with your whole heart – not just the nice parts, but also the place where the muck of sin resides.
As an important note, this is neither spiritual direction nor counseling. Often there is no need to give a lot of details surrounding the sin. You don't have to explain. If the priest needs to know more, he'll ask.
For information on children’s First Reconciliation (Confession), please contact Judi WIlkinson.
Every Saturday from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the private confessionals in the Church
If the need for confession (or the Sacrament of Reconciliation) is pressing or if you are truly unable to make the regular time, please contact a priest through the parish office at 405-751-7115.
During the seasons of Advent and Lent, we hold a Penance Rite, bringing in more than a dozen priests to hear confessions.
"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
Before
Most of the work of your confession can and should be done before arriving. Take some time to prayerfully examine your conscience. These resources may help in your in preparation.
During
Trust that as you approach this sacrament, the priest is a dispenser of God's mercy, not a judge. Fear nothing except refusing to confess a sin. It was for this very moment that Jesus died upon the cross; it was to set you free from all of your sins and to enjoy the freedom of the sons and daughters of God the Most High.
Choose either confessing behind the screen or face to face, whichever helps you to make a fuller and more complete confession.
Start by saying: "Bless me, Father, for I have sinned. It has been approximately (days, weeks, months, years) since my last confession.
Give your status in life: single, married, with/without kids, etc.
Confess your all of your mortal sins and approximately the number of times, only since your last confession unless previously unconfessed. Remember the priest rarely needs all of the background; keep it simple.
Listen attentively to any spiritual advice might be given; paying close attention to the penance to be offered, remembering that penance is never a payment for sin but a response to the love God first showed to us.
If you do not need to request a different penance, start the Act of Contrition. If you need help, there are often aids; never hesitate to ask the priest for assistance throughout the process.
After
Complete your penance as soon as possible. Offer a small prayer of thanksgiving for God's great mercy and forgiveness.Seek to root out sin from your life by making a concrete resolution through planning a strategy. Rejoice in the Lord!
Mortal v. Venial Sins
"Mortal sin destroys charity in the heart of man by a grave violation of God's law" (CCC 1855).
Mortal sins involve grave matters related to the Ten Commandments, Seven Deadly Sins and the like. They must have been committed with full consent and knowledge.
"Venial sin allows charity to subsist, even though it offends and wounds it" (CCC 1855).
Venial sins are like a disease, which untreated weakens the soul to accept temptations for mortal sin, thus separating the individual from salvific grace. Venial sins must be rooted out of one's heart, as also sin places distance between us and God.