What is Reconciliation?

Reconciliation is a sacrament of healing. Whenever we commit a sin that damages our relationship to God, we can show we are sorry by taking part in the sacrament of Reconciliation, sometimes also called Confession. During Reconciliation, individuals tell their sins to a priest, who is able to give absolution, or forgiveness, through the Holy Spirit.

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What is a sin?

A sin is an action or thought that offends God and pulls an individual further away from Him. There are two types of sins. Venial sins are less serious sins. They injure our relationship with God, but do not destroy it. The second type, mortal sins, are very serious sins, which destroy our friendship with God. If a person has a mortal sin on his conscience, he or she should confess this sin right away. Mortal sins prevent us from gaining God's grace.

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What is absolution? Absolution is the forgiveness an individual receives during the sacrament of reconciliation. A person is absolved of his or her sins by a priest.

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What is a conscience?

A conscience is the little voice in the back of your head that lets you know the difference between right and wrong. A person's conscience will bother him or her if he or she has committed a sin. Before receiving the sacrament of Reconciliation, it is a good idea to examine your conscience and make sure you have remembered all the sins you need to have forgiven.

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What is an examination of conscience?

An examination of conscience is when you ask yourself a series of questions to determine whether you have done certain things wrong. Sometimes a church will have a printed copy of an examination of conscience to use as a guide.

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Where does confession take place? Confession usually takes place in a church, in a small room called the confessional. Those people who wish to be forgiven from their sins are able to sit with a priest face-to-face and talk about their sins or keep their identity a secret and speak to a priest through a screen, usually in a room behind a curtain. [back to the top]

When do I start telling my sins?

When you enter the confessional, you should make the sign of the cross and say to the priest, "Bless me father, for I have sinned" and then tell the priest how long it has been since your last confession. The priest will then ask to hear your sins and he will listen as you list them.

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Can the priest tell on me?

The priest can never tell anyone what you say in confession, so you can be completely honest and never worry about anyone else knowing what you are talking about. Also, if you ever happen to overhear someone else's confession, you should never tell what you have heard. A person's sins are between him or her, God, and the priest.

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Are there any special prayers to know for confession?

The priest usually asks to hear an act of contrition. This is a prayer that tells God we are sorry and asks for his forgiveness. One version of the act of contrition is below:

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 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. Amen.

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Do I have to do anything else when confession is over?

After you confess your sins, the priest will give you a penance. Penance is an action we do or a prayer we say to make up for the wrong things that we did. When you leave the confessional, take a few moments to say this prayer or do what the priest has asked.

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How often should I go to confession?

There is no limit on the number of times you can go to confession. You should always confess your sins whenever you feel that you have committed a mortal sin.

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