Confession

Sacrament of Penance

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.

blessing of absolution

First Penance

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.

    Meetings for 2025 - 2026 Preparation will be offered on the following dates:

    Wednesday, April 30 – 6:30 PM to 8:00PM

    Saturday, May 3—9:30AM to 11:00AM

    Tuesday, May 13—6:30PM to 8:00PM

    Sunday, May 18-12:30 PM to 2:00PM

    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.

    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.

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

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

Any time by appointment with one of the priests.