Sacrament of Reconciliation PDF

SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION A sacrament is an effective sign of something hidden which comes from God. Catholics believe that that they are outward signs of an inward grace through which we share in God’s love (St Augustine). In other words, they are visible ways in which the...

SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION A sacrament is an effective sign of something hidden which comes from God. Catholics believe that that they are outward signs of an inward grace through which we share in God’s love (St Augustine). In other words, they are visible ways in which the invisible gifts of God’s love and mercy are given to us through the Holy Spirit. The Sacrament of Reconciliation is also known as the Sacrament of Penance, of forgiveness, and of conversion. What is penance? Penance is making restitution or satisfaction for a wrong that has been committed. Penance must not take place exclusively in my head; it must be expressed in acts of charity and in solidarity with others. A penitent (the person acknowledging their sins and expressing sorrow for them) does penance also by praying, fasting and supporting the poor spiritually and materially. [CCC 1424-1439] People often misunderstand penance. It is not about being sad and having a low self-esteem or brooding over poor choices. Penance encourages us to make amends and a fresh start, therefore making us free. What is reconciliation? The word ‘reconciliation’ comes from a Latin verb meaning ‘to bring back together, to restore’. It brings spiritual healing which has a positive impact on our lives and relationships. The act of confession is important because it allows the penitent to put things right with God and others to know that they have been forgiven. It helps to build up and heal the individual as well as the community and the body of Christ. The sacrament is important because it brings us peace and unity – with God, with others and with ourselves. The Sacrament of Reconciliation reconciles the sinner with God and the Church. [CCC 1468-1470, 1496] Who instituted this sacrament? Jesus himself instituted this sacrament when he showed himself to his apostles on Easter day and commanded 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” (Jn 20:22-23). [CCC 1439-1485] Why did Christ give us the Sacrament of Reconciliation and the Anointing of the Sick? Christ’s love is shown in the fact that he seeks the lost and heals the sick. That is why he gave us the Sacraments of Reconciliation and the Sacrament of the Sick as they bring healing and restoration. In them we are freed from sin and helped in our physical and spiritual weakness. [CCC 1420-1421] Why should a person go to the Sacrament of Reconciliation? Baptism brings us into the new life of the children of God, but it does not free us from human weakness and the inclination to sin. That is why we need a place where we can be reconciled with God again and again. That place is the Sacrament of Reconciliation. [CCC 1425-1426] What are the steps of Reconciliation? The Catholic Church teaches that there are four steps in this sacrament which are explained as follows. 1. Reflection and Repentance The confession starts with a reflection, an examination of conscience. You think about the bad you have done and the good you have not done. You feel sorry. We call this feeling repentance. You resolve to never do these things again. In order not to forget anything, you can also write everything down and take the piece of paper with you (and dispose of the paper afterwards). 2. Confession You go to the priest. You greet each other. With the sign of the cross you greet God. You can start now: tell him when your last confession was! List your sins; you can also read them from the piece of paper. Tell him when you are finished. Tell him that you are sorry. 3. Absolution After you have acknowledged your sins, ask for the absolution: ‘I ask God for forgiveness’. Now it’s the priest’s turn. He talks to you. He gives you a penance to do afterwards and, in the power of Jesus, says ‘I absolve you from your sins in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit’. You are free! God has now forgiven you everything. Now between you and God it is as if you have never done anything wrong. You can start your new life now. 4. Penance and Amendment Sometimes the penance is a prayer. Other times it can be an instruction to make good the damage, or to do something else good. Go home with the resolution to better yourself. What are the two basic elements required for the forgiveness of a Christian’s sins to occur in the Sacrament of Reconciliation? What is required for the forgiveness of sins is the person who undergoes conversion and the priest who in God’s name gives him absolution from his sins. (YouCat 231). How often can you receive this sacrament? Unlike the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Marriage, this sacrament can be celebrated over and over again, like the Eucharist.