Sometimes when we need to go to Confession (Sacrament of Reconciliation) the schedule at our own parish just isn’t convenient. This is a guide to locations and times for Confession around the Diocese of St Petersburg organized by County, Day of the Week and Time of Day.
Pick your county from the drop down menu under Need Confession. What day do you want to go? Scroll down to the day, then choose a parish and time that meets your needs. Each entry includes the parish name, times of Confession, address of the parish and the phone number. We highly recommend that you call before you go to make sure that a change hasn’t ocurred for that day.
And please say a prayer for us while you are there, thanks!
Examining Myself
If it has been a long time (as in years) since the last confession, you might consider making a General confession. You should probably make an appointment with a confessor who will be kind but fair and who can help you make plans for avoiding serious sins.
But if you go regularly, you probably don’t need anyone to remind you of your faults, failings and sins. They are always in front of your face. If you feel like you could use a refresher, consider consulting the Catechism of the Catholic Church and the section on the commandments to remind yourself of areas that may not have been getting all your attention lately. You might also consider the Beatitudes from Matthew chapter 5. New Advent has an explainer that might be helpful. And finally, for a final touch-up, remind yourself of the Spiritual and Corporal Works of Mercy.
Finally, what is a “sin”? For something to be a sin, you have to consider the act, realize that it is wrong and go ahead and perform the act anyway. If the act is serious, the committing of the act will deprive you of heaven if you don’t confess it. That would be a Mortal sin. Breaking vows of Matrimony or Holy Orders, or doing serious physical harm to another, or telling a lie that has major negative impact on another are all examples of Mortal sins. Less serious acts would be considered Venial sins.
There is a difference between sins and other faults or failings. We can fall into bad habits that would be faults, such as using curse or coarse words in our speaking and thinking. Failings would include acts of omission, as in not saying morning prayers when you know you should, or looking the other way when someone drops their groceries and failing to help them could all be failings.
It isn’t necessary to confess venial sins, faults or failings, but doing so can get you a little nugget of advice that will help you to overcome them. And acknowledging our frailties before Christ is the way to become more like Him. Remember, when you are speaking to a priest in confession, he is acting “in the person of Christ” so it really is Jesus who is doing the forgiving!
For an in-depth discussion of the difference between Mortal and Venial sins read this from Catholic.com: https://bit.ly/42xUtFg
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