The Sacrament of Reconciliation

 

 “We are not the sum of our weaknesses and failures; we are the sum of the Father's love for us and our real capacity to become the image of his Son.”

-St. John Paul II

Jesus sent his twelve apostles to proclaim the Kingdom and to call people to repentance and conversion, and the Risen Christ transmitted His own power of reconciliation to them: “Receive the Holy Spirit. Whose sins you forgive, are forgiven them” (John 20: 22-23). The Church today continues to preach the Gospel, invite people to conversion, and administer the sacrament of the remission of sins. 

During Confession: 

• The acts of the penitent (the person making the Confession) are contrition, confession and satisfaction. The act of the priest is absolution.
• Perfect contrition arises from love of God; imperfect contrition results from other motives.
• The penitent, after an examination of conscience, needs to confess all mortal sins. Though it is not necessary to confess venial sins, the Church strongly recommends it because it can lead to self-examination, healing and spiritual growth.
• The priest gives a penance to repair the harm due to sin and to restore the penitent’s commitment to be a disciple of Christ.
• We are reconciled with God and His Church, which gives us peace of mind and spiritual consolation, remits the eternal punishment due to mortal sin, and empowers us to face spiritual challenges.

Examination of Conscience Guide
 

For a list of confession times click here. 

To learn about preparing your child for First Reconciliation click here.