Confession & 1st Reconciliation

Encounter Christ’s Mercy

The Sacrament of Reconciliation, also known as Confession or Penance, is a Sacrament of healing through which we receive God’s forgiveness and are reconciled with Him and His Church.



Whether you receive the Sacrament regularly or have been away from Confession for some time, you are always invited to return and experience the mercy of God.

Confession Times

MONDAY, WEDNESDAY & FRIDAY

10:30–11:45 AM


SATURDAY

3:00–3:45 PM
5:10–5:45 PM


SUNDAY

7:10–7:45 AM
9:10–9:45 AM
11:10–11:45 AM


The Sacrament of Reconciliation is also available by appointment.

Preparing for Confession

If it has been a while since your last Confession, you are welcome to return. The priest can help guide you through the Sacrament if you are unsure what to say or what comes next.


Before Confession, take some time for prayer and an Examination of Conscience, reflecting honestly on your relationship with God and the ways you may have sinned.

Examination of Conscience

What to Expect

  • 1. BEGIN WITH THE SIGN OF THE CROSS

    After entering the confessional, begin: "In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen."


    You may then say: “Bless me, Father, for I have sinned. It has been [length of time] since my last Confession.”


  • 2. CONFESS YOUR SINS

    Tell the priest the sins you wish to confess. When you are finished, you may simply say: “For these and all my sins, I am sorry.”


    The priest may offer counsel and will give you a penance to complete following Confession.


  • 3. PRAY THE ACT OF CONTRITION

    The priest will ask you to express your sorrow for your sins by praying an Act of Contrition.


    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.


  • 4. RECEIVE ABSOLUTION

    The priest will pray the prayer of absolution, through which your sins are forgiven.


    As he concludes, make the Sign of the Cross and respond: "Amen."


  • 5. GO IN PEACE

    The priest will dismiss you at the conclusion of the Sacrament.


    After leaving the confessional, complete the penance the priest has given you and spend a few moments thanking God for His mercy and forgiveness.



First Reconciliation

At St. Genevieve, preparation for First Reconciliation is offered through our Parish School of Religion (PSR) program for children in second grade who have been baptized in the Catholic faith. Our sacramental preparation program serves both St. Genevieve Catholic School students and children attending non-Catholic schools.


For information about preparation requirements, registration, retreat dates, and upcoming sacramental celebrations, please visit our PSR page.

PSR & Sacramental Preparation

QUESTIONS ABOUT RECONCILIATION?

For questions about First Reconciliation, sacramental preparation, or receiving the Sacrament of Reconciliation at St. Genevieve, please contact the Parish Office.

St. Genevieve Catholic Church
417 E. Simcoe Street, Lafayette, LA 70501

Parish Office:  337-234-5147