Form: The priest or bishop says "God, the Father of mercies, through the death and resurrection of His Son has reconciled the world to himself and sent the Holy Spirit among us for the forgiveness of sins; through the ministry of the church may God give you pardon and peace, and I absolve you from your sins in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit."
Matter:
Minister: a priest, bishop or pope may hear a confession and absolve sins in the name of Christ
Rite: Examination of Conscience, the receiver tells how long it has been since their last confession, the receiver's confession of sins to the minister, pray the Act of Contrition, listen to advice from the priest and receive your penance, the priest will give you absolution, and lastly do your penance and sin no more
Other names for the Sacrament of Reconciliation: the Sacrament of Penance, Reconciliation forgiveness, of conversion or confession
Who can go to Reconciliation?
How to prepare for reconciliation: Examine your conscience in a personal process through which a person remembers and identifies their sins in order to recall them in confession
How often must you go to Reconciliation?
Effects:
Scriptural Foundation:
When is it offered?
Matter:
- the individual's sins
- contrition
- the confession of sins
- the priest's words of absolution
Minister: a priest, bishop or pope may hear a confession and absolve sins in the name of Christ
- it is always Jesus who forgives our sins, but the priest/bishop stand in representing the Church and community to offer us Christ's forgiveness
Rite: Examination of Conscience, the receiver tells how long it has been since their last confession, the receiver's confession of sins to the minister, pray the Act of Contrition, listen to advice from the priest and receive your penance, the priest will give you absolution, and lastly do your penance and sin no more
Other names for the Sacrament of Reconciliation: the Sacrament of Penance, Reconciliation forgiveness, of conversion or confession
Who can go to Reconciliation?
- anyone in mortal sin
- anyone who desires the grace of Reconciliation
- anyone who is in need of spiritual healing or guidance
How to prepare for reconciliation: Examine your conscience in a personal process through which a person remembers and identifies their sins in order to recall them in confession
How often must you go to Reconciliation?
- Minimum: at least once a year
- most recommended to go monthly
- Maximum: as often as necessary; there is no maximum
Effects:
- forgiveness of serious sin
- reunification with Christ
- cleansing of conscience
- restoration of grace
Scriptural Foundation:
- "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just, and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:9
When is it offered?
- Reconciliation is offered at my local parish, St. Barnabas, every Saturday from 12:30-1:30 PM or when it is requested of one of the priests