And Jesus said: “Neither do I condemn you. Go on your way, and from now on do not sin again.”
~ John 8:11

The Sacrament of Penance (sometimes called “confession” or “the sacrament of reconciliation”) is the great gift through which we enter into the mercy, forgiveness and peace of Christ in a new and deeper way.

We offer penance at St. Boniface Church (January-June) and St. Mary's Church (July-December) from 3:30-4:15pm on Saturdays.

If the above time in not convenient, individual celebrations of the Sacrament of Penance can be made by appointment by calling the office at 585-271-7240.

To help you prepare your heart to celebrate God's forgiveness, we have links below to examination of conscience, which you can use as a guideline. 

First Penance

“Children should be encouraged to prepare for the Sacrament of Penance/Reconciliation as they near the age of seven. Celebration of First Penance is to precede the celebration of First Eucharist. Parents are to be intimately involved in preparation for a child’s first reception of the Sacrament of Penance/Reconciliation.”(Policies for the Administration of the Sacraments, Bishop Salvatore Matano, #5.2.1, 5.2.2)

Preparation sessions for parents and children who are ready to celebrate this sacrament are usually held in the fall. Please contact Katie Amann to discuss preparing your child for the Sacrament of Penance. She can be reached at 585-271-7240 or [email protected] .

How to Make a Good Confession

1) Examine Your Conscience: humbly and prayerfully examine what it is you have done wrong, what the quality of your relationships (with yourself, with those around you and with God) is, and name how it is you want to improve.

2) Celebrate the Sacrament of Penance:
~ begin with the sign of the cross and trust in God’s mercy
~ mention how long it has been since your last confession
~ confess your sins
~ allow the priest to encourage your faith with a word from scripture
~ accept a penance of prayer, fasting, or good works suggested by you or by the priest
~ make an act of contrition or prayer asking for God’s mercy (the priest will help you if you have forgotten this prayer)
~ listen as the priest proclaims God’s forgiveness over with the sign of the cross
~ go in peace

3) Carry Out Your Penance: then complete your reconciliation with God and the Church by carrying out your penance and by celebrating the Eucharist on the next nearest Sunday (and always)

4) Continue to Live in God’s Love: through daily prayer, Sunday Mass and good choices – always trusting in God’s loving presence with you.