confession

Sacrament of Reconciliation

“Those who approach the sacrament of Penance obtain pardon from God’s mercy for the offense committed against him, and are, at the same time, reconciled with the Church which they have wounded by their sins and which by charity, by example, and by prayer labors for their conversion.” (CCC, 1422)

The Sacrament of Reconciliation is also called the Sacrament of Penance, the Sacrament of Forgiveness, the Sacrament of Confession and the Sacrament of Conversion. This is one of the two Sacraments of Healing; the other is the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick. (CCC, 1423-1449)

At the baptism the original sin is washed away and we are made “holy and without blemish” but the inclination to sin called concupiscence remains. (CCC,1423) Jesus instituted this healing sacrament when he appeared to his apostles on the evening of Easter and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained” (John 20:22-23)

When is a person obliged to confess? Which sins?

The faithful who is over the age of discretion should confess his/her mortal sins at least once a year and before receiving Communion. All grave sins that came to mind and are not yet confessed after doing a careful examination of conscience must be confessed at the Sacrament of Reconciliation. The Church also recommends that the venial sins should also be confessed even though it is not strictly necessary. By confessing venial sins one becomes more aware of the areas of evil tendencies to fight against and receives Christ’s healing. The penitent must have contrition (repentance) of the sins committed.

What are the effects of this sacrament?

According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC,1496) the effects of the sacrament are:

·        Reconciliation with God (forgiveness of sins)

·        Reconciliation with the Church

·        Recovery, if it has been lost, of the state of grace

·        Remission of the eternal punishment merited by mortal sins

·        Remission, at least in part, of the temporal punishment which is the consequence of sin

·        Peace, serenity of conscience and spiritual consolation

·        An increase of spiritual strength for the struggle of Christian living

First Reconciliation

Children who are preparing to receive First Communion must receive First Reconciliation as part of their Sacramental preparation. Please go to Elementary Faith Formation Sacramental Preparation.

For adults who have not received First Communion will have to attend Rite of Chrisitan Initiation for Adults (RCIA).