Lent – a time of Reconciliation

[Every so often, I share this simple outline of the Sacrament of Penance as an encouragement for those who are uncertain about how to go to confession because it has been a while. Jesus awaits us always with infinite love and mercy, sharing the gift of the Cross and Resurrection to set us free.]

The Sacrament of Penance (or Reconciliation) is one of the seven sacraments given to the Church by Christ. Through confession of our sins and their absolution in this sacrament, we are forgiven and reconciled with God and with the community of the Church.

The mercy of Jesus through his Cross is applied to our particular need for healing.

The “seal of confession” means that the confessor may never reveal what is discussed in this Sacrament with anyone in such a way that the identity of the penitent could be known and his/her reputation or opportunities to practice the faith harmed. The Church takes this so seriously that violating this seal incurs excommunication that only the Holy See can address. This is so anyone may freely and confidently confess any and all sins without fear of personal exposure or retaliation.

There are four parts to the Sacrament of Penance: contrition (sorrow for our sins); confession (naming our sins); penance (a way of making some reparation for our sins); absolution (the sacramental forgiveness of our sins).

Sin is any thought, word, or deed contrary to the will of God. We can sin either by action (choosing to do something we are obliged not to do) or by omission (choosing not to do something we are obliged to do). For a sin to be “mortal” (serious, grave), three conditions are required:

1) we act with full knowledge of what we are doing and are aware

that it is wrong; and

2) we act with full freedom in choosing as we do; and

3) it is a serious matter in itself. If any of these conditions are lacking in our actions or omissions, it is a “venial” sin. While sacramental confession/absolution is only required for serious (mortal) sin, we are also strongly encouraged to confess our venial sins (our lesser faults), since they also wound our relationship with God and others.

To make a good confession, we begin with a sincere examination of conscience. This is a time of sincere reflection on our life of faith, identifying simply and humbly where we have made wrong choices contrary to God’s will.

To go to confession:

1) Begin with the Sign of the Cross. Father may say some words of welcome to confession.

2) Say: “Bless me, Father, for I have sinned. My last confession was

________” (name how long it has been since your last confession… for example, “two months ago” or “before Easter”).3) Then say: “My sins are ___________________________” (here, you name your sins simply. Serious sins are to be confessed in “number and kind” – what you have done and how often. When you have finished your confession, end by saying, “For these and all my sins, I am truly sorry.”

4) Father will offer a few words of advice and encouragement. He will then assign a penance to you – perhaps some prayers or good actions. He will then invite you to make an Act of Contrition.

5) Clearly and meaningfully, pray an Act of Contrition. There are many different forms that can be used; the most important thing is that you sincerely express your sorrow for having sinned and your intention to do better in the future. One simple and common form of the Act of Contrition:

O my God, I am sorry for all my sins because they displease You, Who are all good and deserving of all my love. With Your help, I will sin no more. Amen.

6) Father will pray the prayer of Absolution, granting you “pardon and peace” from Christ through His Church. He will conclude with words such as: “God has forgiven you; go in peace.”

Respond: “Thanks be to God” and return to the church to pray in thanksgiving for God’s mercy and perhaps to pray your penance.