The Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation and the grace of forgiveness.
In many ways the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation is by far the clearest example of God’s gift of forgiveness. By Christ’s will, the Church possesses the power to forgive the sins of the baptized. This is normally exercised through bishops and priests in the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation. One who desires to obtain reconciliation with God and with the Church, is obliged to confess to a priest all the unconfessed grave sins they remember after having carefully examined their conscience. This is the only ordinary means by which the Church in the name of Christ can reconcile a person with God and the Church. Because of this, one of the Church’s precepts is to confess your sins at least once a year.The regular confession of even venial sins is highly encouraged. It helps to form one’s conscience, and lets one be healed by Christ and progress in the life of the Spirit. In response to God’s mercy and compassion, true penitence involves a conversion of heart. This authentic conversion entails a sorrow and abhorrence for sins committed, a firm disposition to discontinue sinning, as well as the necessary action to turn from evil and remain united with God.
In whichever form the celebration of the rite takes, the four essential elements of the celebration of the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation remain: repenting for the sins committed, confessing sins to the priest, receiving absolution, and doing penance and correcting any wrong that was done.
Celebrating the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation is one of the deepest and most profound ways we can experience God’s gift of forgiveness.
Reflection Question
Think about the first time you celebrated the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation. In what ways has your experience of this sacrament matured with you over time? Do you experience this sacrament as a joyful celebration designed to assist you to live more fully as a disciple of Jesus Christ?
Scripture to Explore
Romans 6
Additional References
Catechism of the Catholic Church no. 986
United States Catholic Catechism for Adults pp. 233-247
Catechetical Framework for Lifelong Faith Formation MA.2.2.34
Resource for Adult Faith Formation
Prepared for the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston
Distributed courtesy of the National Conference of Catechetical Leadership (NCCL)
© Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston, 2014
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