Confession & Reconciliation

Since human beings belong to a broken and sinful world and are oftentimes broken and sinful, we are constantly in need of God’s mercy and forgiveness. God alone has the power to forgive sins, but through his divine authority, He has given this power to the Church to exercise in His name. “Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained.” (John 20:23)

Confession Times:
Confessions are offered on Saturdays at Holy Family from 3:00 to 3:30 p.m., Tuesdays from 4:45-5:20 p.m. and on Sundays at St. Joseph Church in Dolgeville, NY from 7:30 - 7:50 a.m.

1st Fridays from 8:00 - 8:45 a.m.
1st Saturdays from 8:00 - 8:45 a.m

Confessions are always available by appointment. To schedule a time please contact
Fr. Slezak directly at [email protected].

Confidentiality:
Anything said in confession remains completely confidential. The “seal” is absolute. When a person makes themself vulnerable in confession, they are speaking directly to God and the priest, who stands as a representative of Christ, cannot reveal anything he has learned to anyone. 

Before You Go:
Examine your conscience, that is, reflect on what sins you’ve committed. To guide you, here is an examination of conscience: A Detailed Catholic Examination of Conscience The Ten Commandments. It’s even alright to make a list to bring with you if that helps.

Introduction:
When you come before the priest, begin by making the Sign of the Cross (praying the words out loud), and continue by saying, “Bless me, Father, I have sinned. It has been (how long) since my last confession. These are my sins…”

Confession:
List the sins you’ve committed that came to mind during your examination of conscience. Don’t be too general (I haven’t been a good person”), but a lot of detail isn’t necessary (you don’t need to tell the whole story of how sin came about). If you’re not sure if something is a sin, ask the priest. This isn’t counseling, so unless you ask, the priest won’t give advice. He’ll just move on to…

Penance:
The priest will suggest something for you to do or pray as a response to God’s mercy. You’ll have to remember what this is and do it after the confession is over, so pay attention.

Act of Contrition:
The priest will then ask you to pray out loud your “Act of Contrition,” to demonstrate your sorrow for your sins: “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 who 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 Savior Jesus Christ suffered and died for us. In his name, my God, have mercy.”

Absolution:
Don’t get up and leave after that prayer because the best part is yet to come: the priest will extend his hand in your direction and he will pray the Prayer of Absolution: “God, the Father of Mercies, through the death and resurrection of his Son, has reconciled the world to himself and sent the Holy Spirit among us for the forgiveness of sins. Through the ministry of the Church, may God grant you pardon and peace. And I absolve you from your sins in the name of the Father, and the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.” You respond: “Amen.”

Conclusion:
The priest will then likely say something like, “God has freed you from your sin. Go in peace.” To which you can respond: “Thanks be to God.” Don’t forget to do your penance. If it is saying certain prayers, it’s best to do it right away in the church before you forget.”