THE SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION (PENANCE)

On September 24th and 25th, our children from 3rd to 12th grade will have confessions.

The Sacrament of Reconciliation is one of the most unique and beautiful aspects of Catholicism. Jesus Christ, in His abundant love and mercy, established the Sacrament of Confession so that we, as sinners, can obtain forgiveness for our sins and reconcile with God and the Church. The sacrament “washes us clean,” and renews us in Christ. God can and does accomplish the forgiveness of sins through the Catholic priesthood in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. The intent of this sacrament is to provide healing for the soul as well as to restore one’s relationship to God, lost by sin.

Every time we sin, we hurt ourselves, other people, and God. In Reconciliation, we acknowledge our sins before God and the Church. We express our sorrow in a meaningful way, receive the forgiveness of Christ and his Church, make reparation for what we have done, and resolve to do better in the future. 

How to Prepare for Reconciliation

We should begin with prayer, placing ourselves in the presence of our loving God.

We then review our lives since our last confession, searching our thoughts, words, and actions for that
which did not conform to God’s command to love God and one another. This is called an examination of conscience. Some guided questions, which may assist, are based on the Ten Commandments.

Questions about your relationship with God 

Have I placed God first in my life and sought to love Him with my whole heart? 

Do I pray every day and make time for God in my life? Have I used God’s name in vain

Have I received Holy Communion in a state of Mortal sin? Have I caused harm to anyone?

Have I harbored hatred or ill will toward someone who offended me? Have I refused to forgive

Have I lied, gossiped, or been jealous or judgmental of others? Have I been charitable to others?

Have I stolen or failed to make restitution for what I have taken? Have I been respectful to others?

The spiritual effects of the sacrament of Penance are:

• reconciliation with God by which the penitent recovers grace
• reconciliation with the Church
• remission of the eternal punishment incurred by mortal sins
• remission, at least in part, of temporal punishments resulting from sin
• peace and serenity of conscience, and spiritual consolation
• an increase of spiritual strength for the Christian battle.

Let us encounter God’s mercy, inner peace, and calm mind in the sacrament of reconciliation.