Confessions

“May God who has enlightened every heart, help you to know your sins and trust in his mercy” (Rite of Penance)

St. Charles provides the opportunity for celebrating the Sacrament of Reconciliation (confession) on Saturdays at 3:30 – 4:30 pm in the Chapel.

There are special schedules for Advent and Lent.  Priests are readily available also for confessions anytime by appointment.  Just call the Parish Office or email for an appointment:

  • Fr. Tuck Grinnell – hgrinnell@stcharleschurch.org
  • Fr. Clement Aapengnuo – caapeng@yahoo.com
  • Fr. Augustine Owusu-Sekyere – revosa@yahoo.com

Examination of Conscience

  • How can I grow in love for God?
  • How have I refused to love Him?
  • Do I pray often?
  • How can I grow in relation to my Church?
  • How do I participate at Mass?
  • How can I grow in love for other people?
    • Family members?  Friends?  Neighbors?
    • People I work or study with?
    • People who are different from me?
  • Is there someone I need to get along with more peacefully?

Celebration of the Sacrament

Greeting and Blessing

Scripture

Make Confession of sins: Share the ways you have failed to love God or neighbor

Priest will advise; offer a penance

Penitent says 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 Saviour Jesus Christ suffered and died for us. In his name, my God, have mercy. Amen.

Absolution: the Church’s proclamation of God’s forgiveness

Dismissal

Remember to do your Penance as a sign of repentance.

“Since every sin is an offense against God that disrupts our friendship with Him, ‘the ultimate purpose of penance is that we should love God and commit ourselves completely to Him.’  Therefore, the sinner who by the grace of a merciful God embraces the way of penance comes back to the Father who ‘first love us’ (1 John 4:19), to Christ who gave himself up for us, and to the Holy Spirit who has been poured out on us abundantly.”  (Rite of Penance)