What is Reconciliation
The basic requirement for a good confession is to have the intention of returning to God like the "prodigal son" and to acknowledge our sins with true sorrow before the priest.
The Minister of Reconciliation
A priest or bishop are the only ones who may hear a confession and absolve sins in the name of Christ
It is always Jesus who forgives us our sins
The priest/bishop stand in, representing the church and offer us Christs forgiveness
The priest/bishop stand in, representing the church and offer us Christs forgiveness
How could one prepare for Reconciliation?
Examine your conscience
- examination of conscience is a personal process through which a person remembers and identifies their sins in order to recall them in confession. A good start to remembering all the sins you have done is to go through the 10 Commandments and think about which ones you have broken. While going through the commandments look into in what way you broke it specifically, and how many times you have done so. This could also be done by looking up an examination, and asking yourself certain questions. All sins must be said in order for them to be forgiven
- examination of conscience is a personal process through which a person remembers and identifies their sins in order to recall them in confession. A good start to remembering all the sins you have done is to go through the 10 Commandments and think about which ones you have broken. While going through the commandments look into in what way you broke it specifically, and how many times you have done so. This could also be done by looking up an examination, and asking yourself certain questions. All sins must be said in order for them to be forgiven
How often can one go to Reconciliation
Minimum- At least once per year
Maximum- As often as necessary; no max
Maximum- As often as necessary; no max
The Form
The priest/ bishop says:
"God, the Father of mercies, through the death and resurrection of his Son has reconciled the world to himself and sent the Holy Spirit among us for the forgiveness of sins; through the ministry of the Church may God give you pardon and peace, and I absolve you from your sins in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit"
"God, the Father of mercies, through the death and resurrection of his Son has reconciled the world to himself and sent the Holy Spirit among us for the forgiveness of sins; through the ministry of the Church may God give you pardon and peace, and I absolve you from your sins in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit"
The Matter
The individual's sins
Contrition
The confession of sins
The priest's words of absolution
Contrition
The confession of sins
The priest's words of absolution
The Rite
1. Father welcomes you.
2. Begin with:
In the name of the Father, and of the Son,
and of the Holy Spirit Amen. (sign of the cross)
3. Listen to the prayer or reading. optional
4. Tell Father that this is your first confession.
If this is not your first confession, tell Father how long it has been since your last confession.
5. Share your sins with Father.
Father may talk with you about your sins and give you some advice.
6. Listen to and remember your penance.
To help you keep away from sin, Father will give you something to do.
7. Pray The Act of Contrition
The effects of Reconciliation
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My first experience of reconciliation
My first experience of reconciliation was on January 10th, 2009, at Cure of Ars Church
in Merrick. I entered the church with my family and sat with my 2nd grade religion class. I waited my turn to go up for confession. When it was finally time for me to see the priest I walked to the front of the Church just to the left of the alter. Father Charles Magano was the minister of my forgiveness of sins.
in Merrick. I entered the church with my family and sat with my 2nd grade religion class. I waited my turn to go up for confession. When it was finally time for me to see the priest I walked to the front of the Church just to the left of the alter. Father Charles Magano was the minister of my forgiveness of sins.