The Sacrament of Reconciliation, Confession,

is an essential part of the Christian life. We know, as painful as it can be to admit it, that we are sinners. Maybe we don’t consider ourselves big sinners, but who can deny how difficult it is to always do what is right and avoid what is evil; to keep our calm or share what we have? We need God’s forgiveness and His help to sin no more.

St. Jerome likens Reconciliation to the plank of wood on to which we must grab, lest we drown when our lives are ship-wrecked on the rocks of sin. We cannot be forgiven by our own efforts. Just as we were first washed clean of sin by someone else in Baptism, so in this Sacrament, we need the priest to forgive our sin in the name of Christ
and His Church.

“[Reconciliation] restores us to the favor of God, and unites us to him in the closest friendship. [In] this reconciliation with God, pious men, who approach this sacrament holily and devoutly, sometimes experience the greatest peace and tranquility of conscience, accompanied with the highest spiritual delight. For there is no crime, however grievous, however revolting, which the sacrament of penance does not remit,
not once only, but often and repeatedly.” (The Catechism of the Council of Trent)

While no one claims this Sacrament is easy, no one regrets going to Confession. The root is bitter, but the fruit is sweet. What is said in the confessional is confessed to God; no priest, no matter what the circumstance, will ever reveal what is said in the confessional. We can always approach this Sacrament confidently, knowing we will find mercy, not condemnation, vengeance, or judgment.

A Thorough Examination of Conscience

is a very important prelude to the Sacrament of Reconciliation. We need to examine our lives frequently. We do not reflect on our sins to drudge up guilt and shame; Christ bore our shame and asks us to lay down our guilt. Rather, in looking at our choices, we find places where we can change. We see how good we can be!

In examining our conscience and preparing to confess our sins we should:

• Be thorough: intentionally not confessing a grave sin is a mortal sin.
• Be specific: what kind of sin was it? 
• Note how often we committed the sin. 

We should not stress about the sins we do not remember. God knows what we have done, and what we have forgotten. It is also helpful to consider the causes of our sins; to be honest about any addictions and difficulties we face. Ultimately to live better we need a plan; we should ask ourselves “what changes do I need to make?”

A Thorough Examination of Conscience

is a very important prelude to the Sacrament of Reconciliation. We need to examine our lives frequently. We do not reflect on our sins to drudge up guilt and shame; Christ bore our shame and asks us to lay down our guilt. Rather, in looking at our choices, we find places where we can change. We see how good we can be!

In examining our conscience and preparing to confess our sins we should:

• Be thorough: intentionally not confessing a grave sin is a mortal sin.
• Be specific: what kind of sin was it? 
• Note how often we committed the sin. 

We should not stress about the sins we do not remember. God knows what we have done, and what we have forgotten. It is also helpful to consider the causes of our sins; to be honest about any addictions and difficulties we face. Ultimately to live better we need a plan; we should ask ourselves “what changes do I need to make?”