The Sacrament of Reconciliation, also known as Confession, holds a central place in the Catholic faith as a profound means of spiritual healing and reconciliation with God. Rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ, this sacrament allows individuals to confess their sins to a priest, who, acting in the person of Christ, offers absolution and guidance. The process involves genuine contrition, a heartfelt confession of sins, and a commitment to amend one’s life. Through this sacrament, we experience the transformative power of God’s mercy, finding forgiveness and a renewed sense of grace. Reconciliation not only provides an opportunity for personal healing but also reinforces the understanding that no matter our shortcomings, God’s love and forgiveness are boundless, inviting us to embrace a path of continuous spiritual growth and renewal.
The forgiveness of sins involves 4 parts
CONTRITION: a sincere sorrow for having sinned against God and others.
CONFESSION: confronting our sins aloud to the priest.
PENANCE: the priest asks us to make reparation for our sins through prayer and action.
ABSOLUTION: after asking for forgiveness, the priest absolves us of our sins by saying: “I absolve you from your sins in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”
Jesus’ example of forgiveness
“Jesus said to them again, ‘Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I send you.’ And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and said to them, ‘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 20:21-23
Examination of Conscience
Have I taken the Lord’s name in vain?
Have I missed Mass on a Sunday or on Holy Days of Obligation?
Have I arrived at Mass late or left early?
Have I received Holy Communion in a state of mortal sin?
Have I failed to go to Confession at least once a year?
Have I failed to tithe?
Have I used horoscopes, fortune telling, or other occult/superstitious practices?
Have I denied teachings of the Church?
Have I failed to defend or stand up for the faith?
Have I failed to pray?
Have I deliberately omitted a mortal sin in a previous Confession?
Have I failed to make a sacrifice on Fridays during the year?
Have I eaten meat on Fridays in Lent? Have I failed to fast on Ash Wednesday or Good Friday?
Have I dressed immodestly?
Have I engaged in impure conversation?
Have I shared impure photos via texting or social media?
Have I cheated on assignments or tests?
Have I neglected my responsibilities or studies?
Have I disrespected professors or those in authority?
Have I dishonored my parents?
Have I gossiped? Have I lied?
Have I envied/disdained others’ goods?
Have I made condemning criticisms or rash judgments?
Have I stolen? Have I returned it or tried to make up for it?
Have I received pay for work that I did not do?
Have I hurt someone in speech or deed?
Have I committed or helped someone to commit an abortion?
Have I driven under the influence?
Have I eaten too much?
Have I spent an excessive amount of time on entertainment – social media, video games, YouTube, Netflix, or the internet?
Have I spent money frivolously?
Have I used profane words or excessive/biting sarcasm?
Act of Contrition
“My God, I am sorry for my sins with all my heart. In choosing to do wrong and failing to do good, I have sinned against you whom I should love above all things. I firmly intend, with your help, to do penance, to sin no more, and to avoid whatever leads me to sin. Our Savior Jesus Christ suffered and died for us. In his name, my God, have mercy.”
or
“Lord Jesus, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.”