Confession

The Sacrament of Penance (sometimes called Confession) is a celebration of God’s mercy available to us through Jesus Christ in the Church.  Through acts of contrition, confession, and acts of penance, sinners can be reconciled to God and the Christian community.  In the Sacrament of Penance, Jesus embraces us and leads us back to God.

Our Penance Schedule

Monday - Saturday: after all weekday Masses (approx 9:15 AM)

Thursday: 6:00-7:00 PM

Saturday: 3:00-4:00 PM

Lenten Day of Mercy, March 5: after 8:30am Mass until 8pm

Any time by appointment with one of the priests.

Examination of Conscience

First Penance

blessing of absolution

The purpose of sacramental preparation at St. Max is to encourage parents in their faith and support them in the preparation of their children for the reception of First Penance and First Communion.

  • Join our Sacramental Preparation staff for one of these required meetings. You'll get an overview of the sacramental preparation process at St. Max, learn how to get signed up for formation programs, and have an opportunity to ask questions of our ministry staff.

    A reminder that children must be current in their religious education to prepare for a Sacrament. They must have completed a full year of religious education in the year PRIOR to preparing for a Sacrament. This can take the form of religious formation classes at St. Max (previously completed one full year AND continuous enrollment/completion in grades 1 - 8), enrollment at a Catholic School, or in an APPROVED religious homeschool program (documentation must be submitted for approval.

    Attendance at one of these meetings is required EACH time you have a child preparing for a Sacrament.

    Upcoming Parent Information Meetings will be offered on the following dates in the Immaculata Room:

    Wednesday, April 15th from 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm

    Sunday, April 19th from 12:30 pm to 2:00 pm

    Saturday, April 25th from 9:30 am - 11:00 am

    Tuesday, April 28th from 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm

    Sign up here for one of these meetings.

  • Materials to register and calendars with deadlines/preparation dates will be given out at the informational meeting.

  • Preparation for the sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Eucharist has 6 required "sessions." Attendance at all is required.

    For Reconciliation there is a "parent only" information and prayer session, a First Reconciliation retreat, and a First Reconciliation Prayer service. After the 3 sessions, and when both parent and child(ren) feel they are ready, the child(ren) can celebrate their First Reconciliation.

    Following Reconciliation preparation, there is preparation for receiving First Communion. This includes a First Communion prayer/activity session, a First Communion retreat, and a First Communion Prayer service. After completing these 3 sessions (and celebrating their First Reconciliation) they can celebrate their First Communion.

Visit our Together in Jesus Children’s Sacrament Preparation Page for families enrolled in Religious Formation of Youth (RFY) at Saint Max.

Together in Jesus Program

First Penance for Adults

Our program Becoming Catholic is for adults who are considering becoming full members of the Catholic Church.

This includes people who are seeking the sacraments of Baptism, First Communion, and Confirmation, but also those who come from another faith tradition.

Submit an inquiry here

Ministry Contact:
Dave Brunsman
(513) 777-4322 Ext. 137
dbrunsman@saint-max.org