Confession

Confession (also called Reconciliation or Penance) is a sacrament instituted by Jesus Christ that helps us obtain forgiveness for sins committed after Baptism. It restores grace to the soul and helps us reconcile with God and the Church. According to the precepts of the Church, Catholics are required to go to Confession at least once a year, but are encouraged to go more frequently, such as once a month. If you have committeed a mortal sin, it is important to go to Confession before receiving the Eucharist at Mass.

Children enrolled in our religious education program and our Catholic school receive the Sacrament in second grade. If you would like to enroll your child in religious education or if you are an adult interested in receiving the Sacraments, please call 608-755-1476. If you would like to enroll your child in St. John Vianney Catholic School, please call 608-752-6708.

Information about the Sacrament of Confession

• A Guide to the Sacrament of Confession
• Confession Help
• 7 Secrets of Confession on Formed.org
• Penance & Reconciliation, The Catechism of the Catholic Church
• The Sacraments of Healing section of the Compendium of the Catechism
• How to Prepare Your Child for Reconciliation
• Pope Saint John Paul II's Encyclical, Rich In Mercy
• Confession, Catholic Answers
• Forgiven on Formed.org
• Confession by Fr. Larry Richards on Formed.org
• Great explanations and resources from GoodConfession.com
• Large list of Confession Links from Catholic Catalyst
  

How the Process Works

• Step-By-Step Guide (PDF)
• How to Go to Confession (PDF)
• 7 Ways to Make a Good Confession
• Making a Good Confession
• 10 Tips from Priests
• How to Confess Like an Adult

Examination of Conscience Guides

• Examination Based on the Ten Commandments and the Precepts of the Church
• Examination Based on the Ten Commandments
• Examination for Married Persons
• Examination of Conscience Based on Catholic Social Teaching
• Examination for Adults
• Examination for Children
• Examination Based on the Seven Deadly Sins (especially helpful for students/young adults)
• Examination of Conscience for Young Adults
• Daily Examen