SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION
it is a fruitful source of grace.
The sacrament of Reconciliation, also known as confession and penance,
is a sacrament of healing.
The Catechism tells us: “The sacrament of Reconciliation with God brings about a true
“spiritual resurrection,” restoration of the dignity and blessings of the life of the children
of God, of which the most precious is friendship with God” (1468).
Indeed, the sacrament of Reconciliation is a time for love, mercy and healing.
Regrettably, some see this sacrament of forgiveness and healing as a cause for anxiety
and fear. Jesus intended it to be a time of compassion and mercy and every priest in
confession is conscious of being a minister of understanding and forgiveness.
When Jesus gave us this sacrament He knew well our human nature and knew the
need we have to hear the freeing words: “I absolve you of your sins. . . .”
The Church recommends monthly confession as a spiritual discipline. At a minimum,
Catholics must make a confession of sins when they are conscious of mortal sin
before the reception of holy Communion. The precept of the Church says that Catholics
ought to confess their sins in the sacrament of Confession at least once a year during
the Easter Season.