Reconciliation
The Sacrament of Reconciliation is one of the most beautiful and unique aspects of Catholicism. It was established by Christ as a means by which God forgives our sins: "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just, and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (I Jn 1:9). The Church's authority and mission to forgive sins was imparted by Christ told his ministers, "As the Father has sent me, even so I send you... 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 20:21-23). Sin is before all else an offense against God and a rupture of communion with him (CCC, 1850). The institution of this Sacrament allows the Christian faithful to restore our relationship with God and His Church after those times when sin, whether deliberately or by omission, damages this. Sin leaves our hearts heavy and burdened, but this sacrament "washes us clean" and renews us in Christ.
A Brief History of Confession:
The spiritual effects of the sacrament of Reconciliation are (CCC, 1496):
For a helpful guide to making a good confession:
The Sacrament of Reconciliation will be available on Sundays, before and after Mass, in Rita Welch Meditation Centre or by request.
A Brief History of Confession:
- In the early Church, publicly known sins (such as apostasy) were often confessed openly in church
- Private confession to a priest was an option for privately committed sins
- Confession was not just something done in silence to God alone, but something done "in church" [Didache, 4, 14 (c.A.D. 50)]
The spiritual effects of the sacrament of Reconciliation are (CCC, 1496):
- Reconciliation with God by which the penitent recovers grace
- Reconciliation with the Church
- Remission of the eternal punishment incurred by mortal sins
- Remission, at least in part, of temporal punishments resulting from sin
- Peace and serenity of conscience, and spiritual consolation
- An increase of spiritual strength for the Christian battle
For a helpful guide to making a good confession:
- http://www.usccb.org/prayer-and-worship/sacraments/penance/sacrament-reconciliation-young-adults-examination-of-conscience.cfm
- http://www.lighthouseideas.org/Documents/How%20To%20Make%20a%20Good%20Confession.pdf
The Sacrament of Reconciliation will be available on Sundays, before and after Mass, in Rita Welch Meditation Centre or by request.