Sacrament of Confession

If we acknowledge our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from every wrongdoing. (I John 1:9)

Christ welcomes every sinner, no matter the sin, to Himself with joy, love, for “He is rich in mercy” (Ephesians 2:4). Jesus the Good Shepherd seeks after all people who stray away from Him and through the ministry of His Church He offers the forgiveness of  sins.

The Confession schedule at St. Catherine’s is:
Monday – Friday at 11:40AM and 4:40PM, and Saturdays at 4:30PM. Priests are also available to hear confessions by appointment.  Please call the parish office at (212) 988-8300.

Click HERE for Mass and other Schedules.

What is sin?
The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches us that sin is an offense against reason, truth and right conscience.  It is a failure in genuine love for God and neighbor that wounds the nature of man and injures human solidarity.

What is an examination of conscience?
An examination of conscience precedes confession.  It is an opportunity for the penitent, in the light of the Word of God, to admit the ways in which their life has deviated from the call to love God and one another.  Passages from scripture that can be helpful in the examination are the Ten Commandments, the Sermon on the Mount, and the moral catechesis of the Gospels and the apostolic letters.

What is Confession?
The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches us that the confession of sins frees us from the bondage of sin, opens us to return to the Lord and the communion of the Church, and facilitates our reconciliation with those we may have wronged. Confession to a priest is an essential part of the sacrament of Penance, and during confession all mortal sins must be recounted by the penitent.  The practice of confessing less grave, or venial sins, is not required, but is encouraged as an efficacious means of growth in virtue.