How to go to confession, and where to find it in Lombard

Whether it has been a week or many years, confession follows the same simple pattern. Before you go, take a few minutes for an examination of conscience. The U.S. bishops publish several, including ones built on the Ten Commandments and the Beatitudes.

In the confessional, begin with the Sign of the Cross and say, “Bless me, Father, for I have sinned. It has been [this long] since my last confession.” Then confess your sins, naming mortal sins in kind and number as best you can. The priest may offer some counsel and will give you a penance. You then pray an Act of Contrition, and the priest speaks the words of absolution. Afterward, do your penance promptly.

If you have forgotten how it goes, simply tell the priest. Priests hear that often and are glad to walk you through it. Everything said in confession is protected by the seal, which a priest may never break.

In Lombard, Sacred Heart hears confessions on Wednesdays from 6 to 7 p.m. and Saturdays from 3 to 4 p.m. St. Pius X hears them on Saturdays from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m., and Christ the King on Saturdays at 3 p.m. or by appointment. Divine Mercy offers confession before its weekday morning and evening Masses (the parish is mainly Polish-speaking), and Our Lady of Lebanon offers it on Sundays from 9 to 9:20 a.m. before the Divine Liturgy. Times can change on holidays, so check the parish bulletin before you go.

Many parishes add extra confession times during Advent and Lent, and The Parish Post will list them on the calendar as they are announced.