Reconciliation
“I have come that they might have life and have it to the full.” — John 10:10
The Sacrament of Reconciliation — A simple guide
In order to prepare for Confession, it is helpful to make an examination of conscience:
- Set aside some quiet time for reflection.
- Pray to the Holy Spirit for help in making a good examination.
- Reflect honestly on your behaviour in the light of the Ten Commandments.
If necessary, take brief private notes to Confession to help you remember what you wish to confess.
When you arrive, tell the priest how long it has been since your last Confession and confess the sins you remember, beginning with the most serious.
Bless me, Father, for I have sinned. It has been … since my last Confession.
When you have finished, simply say that this is all you can remember. The priest will give you a penance and invite you to make an Act of Contrition before giving absolution.
More About the Sacrament of Reconciliation
Confession, Penance & Reconciliation
The sacrament is known by several names, including Penance, Confession and Reconciliation. The word penance highlights the interior conversion of the person who turns away from sin and back to God.
True repentance includes sorrow for sin, a firm purpose not to offend God again, and a willingness to make satisfaction for the harm caused by sin.
Continuing the work of redemption
In this sacrament the priest, acting as God’s minister, forgives sins committed after Baptism when the penitent is sincerely sorry, confesses those sins and is willing to make satisfaction. The sacrament continues Christ’s saving work and applies the grace won through his death and Resurrection.
A power granted by Christ
On the evening of the Resurrection, Jesus appeared to the Apostles, gave them his peace and entrusted to them a ministry of forgiveness.
Receive the Holy Spirit; whose sins you forgive, they are forgiven.
The Church understands this commission as Christ giving his ministers authority to forgive sins in his name.
Necessary after Baptism
Christ knew that Christians would sometimes fail to keep their baptismal promises. God’s mercy therefore provides a renewed encounter with grace for those who sin after Baptism and return to him with a contrite heart.
A power of the priesthood
The ministry entrusted to the Apostles did not end with them. It belongs to the sacramental priesthood and is handed on through Holy Orders. A priest exercises this ministry when he pronounces absolution over a contrite penitent in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Countless benefits
Reconciliation restores friendship with God when it has been lost through grave sin and strengthens the life of grace in the soul. It also forgives venial sins for which the penitent is truly sorry.
Frequent Confession can deepen humility, strengthen the conscience and help a Christian resist future temptation.
Crime & punishment
Forgiveness removes the guilt of sin, yet there can remain consequences that call for healing and reparation. Penance, prayer and works of charity help repair the damage caused by sin and dispose us to receive God’s grace more fully.
Restoring lost merits
The sacrament restores the penitent to the life of grace. Catholic teaching also speaks of the recovery, through reconciliation with God, of the spiritual fruit associated with good works previously performed in grace.
Additional graces to strengthen us
The sacramental grace of Reconciliation does more than heal: it strengthens. It gives help for making amends, resisting temptation and growing in holiness. This is why regular Confession is a valuable part of an intentional Christian life.
Sacrament of Reconciliation
| Day | Time |
|---|---|
| Wednesday | 1.00pm to 2.00pm |
| Saturday | 11.00am |
Priests are only available outwith these times in an emergency.