Catholic Confession Times

Find Catholic confession times — the Sacrament of Reconciliation — at over 16,000 active US parishes. Most US Catholic churches hear confessions on Saturday afternoon before the Vigil Mass, with additional weekday times at many parishes. Search by ZIP code, city, or parish name below to find a confession time near you.

Confession Times by Major City

The most-searched US cities for Catholic confession schedules. Click for parish listings with reconciliation times, Saturday confessions, and weekday opportunities.

• New York City confession times
• Los Angeles confession times
• Chicago confession times
• Houston confession times
• Phoenix confession times
• Philadelphia confession times
• San Antonio confession times
• San Diego confession times
• Dallas confession times
• San Jose confession times
• Jacksonville confession times
• Austin confession times
• San Francisco confession times
• Indianapolis confession times
• Columbus confession times
• Seattle confession times
• Denver confession times
• Boston confession times
• Nashville confession times
• Baltimore confession times

When is Confession Heard at Catholic Churches?

Most Catholic parishes in the United States schedule confession at these typical times:

• Saturday afternoon — by far the most common confession time. Typically 3:00 PM to 4:30 PM, immediately before the Saturday Vigil Mass at 4:30 or 5:00 PM. This is the default time at the majority of US parishes.
• Saturday morning — many parishes also hear confessions after the Saturday morning Mass, usually 8:30 AM to 9:30 AM.
• Weekday mornings before Mass — common at urban and downtown parishes, typically 7:00 AM to 7:45 AM or before the 8:00 AM daily Mass.
• Wednesday evenings — many parishes offer a midweek confession time, often 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM, sometimes paired with adoration.
• By appointment — every Catholic priest is available to hear confessions by appointment. Call the parish office.

During Lent, parishes greatly expand confession opportunities — many dioceses hold "The Light Is On for You" or similar Lenten initiatives where every parish offers confession every Wednesday evening from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM through Lent.

How Often Should Catholics Go to Confession?

The Church requires Catholics to confess grave (mortal) sins at least once a year (Code of Canon Law, canon 989; Catechism 1457). This is part of the "Easter duty" — Catholics conscious of mortal sin must receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation before receiving Holy Communion, and at minimum once a year between Ash Wednesday and Trinity Sunday in the United States.

The Church strongly recommends frequent confession — every month or every two weeks is a widely recommended pace by spiritual directors, even for those not aware of mortal sin. Confession of venial sins is not strictly required but is a recognized means of spiritual growth (CCC 1458). See our step-by-step guide to going to confession.

FAQs About Catholic Confession

What time is confession at most Catholic churches?

The most common confession time at US Catholic parishes is Saturday afternoon, typically 3:00 PM to 4:30 PM, immediately before the Saturday Vigil Mass. Many parishes also offer confession on weekday mornings before the daily Mass and on Wednesday evenings.

Can I go to confession at any Catholic church?

Yes. Catholics may go to confession to any Catholic priest in good standing, at any parish in full communion with Rome. You are not required to go to confession at your own parish. Many Catholics use this freedom to maintain anonymity by going to a parish where they are not known.

Is confession anonymous?

Yes, at the penitent's choice. Every Catholic confessional offers both options — a screen for anonymous confession or face-to-face confession. The confessor is bound by the absolute seal of confession (canon 983), which forbids the priest from ever revealing what is said for any reason whatsoever.

What if I haven't been to confession in a long time?

You are very welcome to return. Many Catholics return to confession after years or even decades away — priests expect this and are trained to walk you through the process. Simply tell the priest at the start: "Bless me Father, it has been [X] years since my last confession." He will help you from there.

Do I need to go to confession before receiving Communion?

If you are conscious of having committed a grave (mortal) sin since your last confession, yes — you must receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation before receiving Holy Communion (1 Corinthians 11:27-29, CCC 1385, canon 916). If you are conscious only of venial sins, you may receive Communion, though frequent confession is still recommended.

Is confession free?

Yes. The Sacrament of Reconciliation is always free. There is no charge, no fee, and no expectation of a donation. The priest acts in persona Christi and offers absolution gratuitously.