The Sacrament of Reconciliation

Unfortunately, everyone sins.  When we sin, we cut ourselves off from the gifts and graces God has for us, and we damage our relationship with Him.  The Sacrament of Reconciliation restores that relationship. Through it, we are reconciled to Christ and His Church.

Christ gave the apostles the ability to forgive sin in His name ( see John 20:23). That's why it is called the Sacrament of Reconciliation, not the Sacrament of Sin! When we are really sorry for our sin, we can go before the priest, who represents Christ and the Church, confess our sins, and be reconciled with God and His people.

In this Sacrament, we receive not only forgiveness, but the grace that helps us not to sin.

Q: What is the difference between mortal and venial sins?

A: Mortal sin is a complete turning away from God. For a sin to be mortal, it must contain three things: The sin must be grave in matter, you must have full knowledge of the severity of the sinful act, and you must fully agree to commit it.  Venial sins, on the other hand, wound your relationship with God rather than cause a complete turning away from God.

Q: What if I am not sure how to go to Confession?

A: That's O.K.  Just begin by telling the priest that you are not certain how to go to Confession.  Don't worry, he will help you.

Q: Do I have to confess all my sins?

A: First confess any and all mortal sins. Then confess any venial sins you know of from your examination of conscience.

Q: What is the difference between temptation and sin?

A: Temptation is Satan's invitation to sin - it is not sin. Sin is a deliberate decision - an act of the will.

Q: I forgot the Act of Contrition. What should I do?

A: It is a good idea to begin expressing sorrow for sins while preparing to confess.  Once in the confessional, a priest will ask you to say an Act of Contrition before you receive absolution.  If you choose to say your own Act of Contrition, it must include the following: true sorrow for your sins and a firm resolution not to commit the sins again because of your love for God.  You may also use the following prayer:

O my God, I am heartily sorry for having offended You, and I detest all my sins because of Your just punishments, but most of all because they offend You my God, who are all good and deserving of all my love.  I firmly resolve, with the help of Your grace, to sin no more and to avoid the near occasion of sin. Amen.

Q: How should I prepare for the Sacrament of Reconciliation?

A: The best way to prepare is by examining your life and conscience.  Try using the Daily Examination of Conscience that follows.

Daily Examination of Conscience

(Written for Teens / Young Adults)

How well have I trusted God?

•  Have I allowed fears and worries to get in the way?

What do I try to put in God's place?

Have I struggled with or given into the following grave sins:

• Pornography, impure sexual acts, stealing, fornication (sex outside of marriage), gluttony (over-eating, purging, under-eating), the use of birth control, abortion, intentionally getting drunk or using drugs?

Have I obeyed those in authority over me (parents, teachers) ?

• How do I treat these people?

Have I hurt God by my language (using disgusting language, gossip, swearing, taking God's name in vain)?

• Would Jesus like or dislike the clothes I wear?  

How well do I treat others, particularly those in my family?

• Do my actions build others up, or tear them down?
• Have I lied about or slandered someone with my words?
• Why do I treat others this way?

Do I see myself as God sees me?

• Do I act like a child of God?
• Do I hate myself or allow myself to be abused or mistreated?

Have I been jealous of envious of others?

• Do I compare myself to them?
• Do I want what they have? Why?

What do I have a zeal, heart, and passion for?

• Is it something God would approve of and bless? Why?

What kind of situations do I place myself in?

• Do they lead me closer to God or away from Him? 

A Good Confession
by John Paul II the Great

"It was with great joy that I received the news that the Irish Bishops had asked all the faithful to go to Confession as part of a great spiritual preparation for my visit to Ireland.  You could not have given me a greater gift. And if today there is someone who is still hesitating, for one reason or another, please remember this: the person who knows how to acknowledge the truth of guilt, and asks Christ for forgiveness, enhances his own human dignity and manifests spiritual greatness.

"Because of Christ's love and mercy, there is no sin that is too great to be forgiven; there is no sinner who will be rejected.  Every person who repents will be received by Jesus Christ with forgiveness and immense love."

                                  -- Pope John Paul II
                           Ireland, September 29, 1979