What Is Reconciliation?

Reconciliation (also known as confession or

Penance) is a sacrament instituted by Jesus Christ The Light is ON for You
in his love and mercy to offer sinners forgiveness Celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation
for offenses committed against God. At the same
time, sinners reconcile with the Church, because
it is also wounded by our sins.
Every time we sin, we hurt ourselves, other
people, and God. In Reconciliation, we
acknowledge our sins before God and his Church. *Insert Diocesan
We express our sorrow in a meaningful way, Crest here*
receive the forgiveness of Christ and his Church,
make reparation for what we have done, and
resolve to do better in the future.
The forgiveness of sins involves four parts:
 Contrition: a sincere sorrow for having *Insert Diocese here*
offended God, and the most important act of ex. Archdiocese of Washington
the penitent. There can be no forgiveness of
sin if we do not have sorrow and a firm
resolve not to repeat our sin.
The Sacrament of Reconciliation
 Confession: confronting our sins in a To receive the Sacrament of
profound way to God by speaking about is the story of God’s love
Reconciliation, that never turns away from us.
them—aloud—to the priest.
contact your local parish priest.
 Penance: an important part of our healing is
the “penance” the priest imposes in
reparation for our sins. To find a Catholic church near you,
 Absolution: the priest speaks the words by visit *insert diocesan website here*
which “God, the Father of Mercies”
reconciles a sinner to himself through the The Light Is On For You © 2012
merits of the Cross. Archdiocese of Washington and Diocese of
Rite of Reconciliation Arlington.
1. Priest gives a blessing or greeting.
2. Make the Sign of the Cross and say, “Bless me,
father, for I have sinned. My last confession was
[give weeks, months, or years].”
3. Confess all of your sins to the priest. (If you are
unsure or uneasy, tell him and ask for help.)
4. Say, “I am sorry for these and all of my sins.”
5. The priest assigns a penance and offers advice to
help you be a better Catholic.
6. Say an Act of Contrition, expressing your sorrow
for your sins. The priest, acting in the person of
Christ, then absolves you from your sins. *Insert diocesan website here*
 How to Make a Good Confession Examination of Conscience Rite of Reconciliation
Confession is not difficult, but it does require Recall your sins. Prayerfully ask yourself what Reconciliation may be face-to-face or
preparation. you have done with full knowledge and full anonymous, with a screen between you and the
consent against God’s and the Church’s priest. Choose the option that is the most
We should begin with prayer, placing ourselves commandments. comfortable for you.
in the presence of God, our loving Father. We  Do I pray to God every day? Have I thanked 1. The priest gives you a blessing or greeting.
seek healing and forgiveness through repentance God for his gifts to me? He may share a brief Scripture passage.
and a resolve to sin no more.  Did I put my faith in danger through readings 2. Make the Sign of the Cross and say, “Bless
contrary to Catholic teachings or me, father, for I have sinned. My last
Then we review our lives since our last involvement in non-Catholic sects? Did I
confession, searching our thoughts, words, and confession was [give the number of weeks,
engage in superstitious practices: palm months, or years].”
actions for that which did not conform to God’s reading or fortune-telling?
command to love him and one another through 3. Confess all of your sins to the priest. The
his laws and the laws of his Church.  Did I take the name of God in vain? Did I priest will help you to make a good
curse or take a false oath? confession. If you are unsure about how to
This is called an examination of conscience.  Did I miss Mass on Sundays or holy days of confess or you feel uneasy, just ask him to
obligation through my own fault? Am I help you. Answer his questions without
To make an examination of conscience: attentive at Mass? Did I keep fast and hiding anything out of fear or shame. Place
abstinence on the prescribed days? your trust in God, a merciful Father who
 Begin with a prayer asking for God’s help.
 Did I disobey my parents and lawful wants to forgive you.
 Review your life with the help of some superiors in important matters? 4. Following your confession of sins, say, “I am
questions, which are based on the Ten sorry for these and all of my sins.”
 Did I hate or quarrel with anyone, or desire
Commandments (see next panel). 5. The priest assigns you a penance and offers
revenge? Did I refuse to forgive? Was I
 Tell God how truly sorry you are for your disrespectful? advice to help you be a better Catholic.
sins.  Did I get drunk? Did I take illicit drugs? 6. Say an Act of Contrition, expressing your
sorrow for your sins. The priest, acting in the
 Make a firm resolution not to sin again.  Did I consent to, recommend, advise, or
person of Christ, then absolves you from
actively take part in an abortion?
your sins.
 Did I willfully look at pornography, entertain
impure thoughts, or engage in impure
conversations or actions? Did I use artificial
means to prevent conception?
 Was I unfaithful to my spouse? Did I engage Act of Contrition
in sexual activity outside of marriage?
 Did I steal or damage another’s property? God, I am heartily sorry for having offended
Have I been honest and just in my business you, and I detest all my sins because I dread
relations? the loss of heaven and the pains of hell; but
 Have I been responsive to the needs of the most of all because they offend you, my God,
poor and respected the dignity of others? who are all good and deserving of all my love.
I firmly resolve with the help of your grace to
 Did I tell lies? Did I sin by calumny, or
confess my sins, do penance, and to amend my
detraction, of others? Did I judge others
life.
rashly in serious matters?
 Have I envied other people? Amen.