To Sacraments

The Sacrament of Reconciliation

Because of Christ’s great sacrifice on the cross, in the Sacrament of Reconciliation we have the opportunity to confess our sin, receive forgiveness, and receive special graces to avoid sin in the future. In finding God’s unconditional forgiveness, we are then called to forgive others.

Here’s what the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) says about the Sacrament of Reconciliation:

The spiritual effects of the sacrament of Penance are:

  • reconciliation with God by which the penitent recovers grace
  • reconciliation with the Church
  • remission of the eternal punishment incurred by mortal sins
  • remission, at least in part, of temporal punishments resulting from sin
  • peace and serenity of conscience, and spiritual consolation
  • an increase of spiritual strength for the Christian battle. (CCC 1496)

St. Joseph’s priests are available for the Sacrament of Reconciliation at these times:

Tuesdays
4:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Saturdays
3:30 pm – 4:30 pm

Confession is also available by appointment.

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 Savior Jesus Christ suffered and died for us.
In his name, my God, have mercy.

How to Make a Good Confession

Examination of Conscience

Preparing Children for First Reconciliation

Preparation for this Sacrament typically happens in second grade, in conjunction with preparation for the Eucharist, and takes place either within the St. Joseph school curriculum or the Parish School of Religion.

Preparing Older Children & Adults for First Reconciliation

Preparation to receive First Reconciliation as an older child (beyond 2nd grade) takes place through Rite of Christian Initiation (RCIC) program.

For adults it is within Rite of Catholic Initiation of Adults (RCIA).

RCIC Contact

Megan Winningham
(636) 441-0055 ext. 300
mwinningham@stjoecot.org

RCIA Contact

Fr. Josh Deters
(636) 441-0055 ext. 108
jdeters@stjoecot.org