St John the Evangelist Parish

During Lent, second graders make their first confession.

The liturgical service will be on Tuesday, February 12, 2019 at 6:00 p.m.. This service begins similarly to Mass; there is a processional hymn, readings, a homily, and intercessions. After the service the children will line up for confession. There will be three or four priests stationed in different private areas of the church: the confessional, the sacristy, and the doorway between the church (St. Joseph’s side) and the school. 

The Way to Go to Confession

Before Confession 

• I pray to the Holy Spirit
• I think of my sins
• I make up my mind to try not to sin again
• I pray the Act of Contrition 

In the Confessional 

• Father greets me. I make the sing of the cross and say: “Bless me Father, for I have sinned. This is my first Confession.” I confess my sins and explain them if necessary.
• When I am finished telling my sins I say: “I am sorry for all my sins.”
• Father gives me a few words of advice and help.
• Father gives me a penance. It may be to say some prayers or to do something kind.
• I say my Act of Contrition when Father asks me to.
• Father says the Prayer of Absolution in which he, using the power given to him by Jesus, takes away my sins. As Father blesses me, I make the sign of the cross.
• Father dismisses me by saying, “Go in peace” or “God bless you” and I say, “Thank you Father.”

After I Leave the Confessional

I go back to my pew and kneel in church and say the penance father asked me to say. If he asked me to do something for my penance, then I thank God in church and ask His help to do better. I will do the penance Father gave me as soon as I can. 

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.