Reconciliation

Even after baptism, all of us are capable of committing sin. Sin is the deliberate violation of God’s law. As much as we would like to think that it only has an effect on us as individuals, the fact is that sin ruptures our relationship with God and our brothers and sisters, no matter how private or secretive we may think we are being. There are two kinds of sin: mortal and venial. Mortal sin is a deliberate and free choice of something known to be seriously wrong that destroys our friendship with God and separates us from Him. All of the following conditions must be met for a sin to be mortal: (1) it must be something serious; (2) it must be done with sufficient knowledge of its gravity; and (3) it must be done with sufficient freedom of the will. Venial sin is a minor offense against God’s law that hurts our relationship with God but does not destroy it. We are required to confess mortal sin and encouraged to confess venial sin. The Sacrament of Penance/Reconciliation is offered to us by Christ to heal the wounds and division that sin causes in our lives.

            This sacrament has been known by a variety of names, each important and each focusing on an aspect of the rite.

• Sacrament of Conversion: because it makes sacramentally present Jesus’ call to conversion, the first step in returning to the father from whom one has strayed by sin.
• Sacrament of Penance: because it consecrates the Christian sinner’s personal and ecclesial steps of conversion, penance, and satisfaction (CCC §1424).
• Sacrament of Confession: because the disclosure or confession of sins to a priest is an essential element of the sacrament. In a profound sense it is also a “confession” of the holiness of God and of His mercy toward sinful humanity.
• Sacrament of Forgiveness: by the priest’s absolution God grants the penitent “pardon and peace.”
• Sacrament of Reconciliation: because it imparts to the sinner the love of God who reconciles (CCC §1424).

The Sacrament of Penance/Reconciliation is a whole consisting of three actions of the penitent and the priest’s absolution. The penitent’s acts are repentance, confession or disclosure of sins to the priest, and the intention to make reparation and do works of reparation (CCC §1491).

Catholics are expected to receive the Sacrament of Penance/Reconciliation at least once a year (CCL §989) but are encouraged to avail themselves of the sacrament more often.

The Sacrament of Penance/Reconciliation is offered every Saturday 3:30-4:30 pm or by appointment either face-to-face or anonymously. Communal Penance services are also scheduled throughout the year. Consult the bulletin for the dates of Penance services.

Examination of Conscience: Adult        Examination of Conscience: Youth