Lenten Penance Service

In Form Two, we participate in the examination of conscience together as a community. We then make our confession and receive our penance and absolution one-on-one with a priest. You don’t need to memorize any words to receive Christ’s healing gift, though you are welcome to use the prayers set forth by the Church if that makes you more comfortable. Most importantly, remember that this is a sacrament of healing – it is not to cause shame, but to help you openly receive God’s sacramental grace.

Many elements in the penance service is similar to when you go to individual confession. The prayers are simply recited as a community rather than individually.

Outline of service
• Opening hymn and prayer
• Liturgy of the Word (scripture readings and psalm)
• Homily
• Act of Contrition – prayed together
• Individual confession – 6-8 priests available

What to expect
1. Everyone will gather in church, with no assigned seating, just like on a Sunday. The first part of the service is jut like the first half of Mass with readings and a homily.

2. We will then kneel and pray the Act of Contrition together. 

3. When it is time for individual confessions, the priests will sit in various places around the church. You  stand in a line for a priest. When a priest is available, go up one by one for confession. Remember that you have already said the Act of Contrition, so the only thing needed is to name your sins, for which the priest will assign a penance.