What is the sacrament of Penance- Reconciliation?
The Sacrament of Reconciliation is the process or steps we take in order to reunite ourselves with God. In essence it is:
“The invitation to the door of forgiveness, freedom of sin and of guilt and with that; Peace”.
Before we open the door we prepare ourselves by reflection or examining our conscience and think about what we are going to do to stop doing the wrong doings. When we are ready, we open the door to face and talk to God through his disciple (the priest). We confess (in all honesty) our sins and tell him what we will do to make amends and how truly sorry we are by saying the act of contrition. When we are done we are given absolution (forgiveness) through the power of the Holy Spirit and are reunited with God.
The sacrament of reconciliation, also referred to as the sacrament of penance links in with the sacrament of anointing of the sick.
What happens when we sin?
When we sin, we go against the commandments of God and alienate (turn away) ourselves from him. In the Sacrament of Reconciliation we reorientate ourselves and reunite (together again) with God.
Step by step guide: What to do in Confession
Prepare yourself by reflecting on your sins and what you are going to do to try and stop repeating the sin. Only when you are ready, do you proceed to the Confessional.
1. Kneel, make the sign of the cross and say, “Bless me Father for I have sinned.”
2. Tell the father how long it has been since you last confessed. Egs.” It has been 1 month since my last confession.” If it is your first time then just say “this is my first confession.”
3. Tell the father your sins and how you have hurt God your loving father and when you have finished say “For these and all my sins, I am truly sorry.” Then tell the father how you are going to repent. (so as not to commit the sin again) egs. I will reflect on how Jesus died on the cross for me each time I am tempted to use bad words.
4. Listen to the Father if he has any advice for you, after which he will give you absolution.
5. Say the Act of Contrition.
6. Listen to the words of the Father as he gives you absolution.
7. Thank the Father out of politeness and respect and you might even say “Bless you Father”
8. Go quietly
The Sacrament of Reconciliation is the process or steps we take in order to reunite ourselves with God. In essence it is:
“The invitation to the door of forgiveness, freedom of sin and of guilt and with that; Peace”.
Before we open the door we prepare ourselves by reflection or examining our conscience and think about what we are going to do to stop doing the wrong doings. When we are ready, we open the door to face and talk to God through his disciple (the priest). We confess (in all honesty) our sins and tell him what we will do to make amends and how truly sorry we are by saying the act of contrition. When we are done we are given absolution (forgiveness) through the power of the Holy Spirit and are reunited with God.
The sacrament of reconciliation, also referred to as the sacrament of penance links in with the sacrament of anointing of the sick.
What happens when we sin?
When we sin, we go against the commandments of God and alienate (turn away) ourselves from him. In the Sacrament of Reconciliation we reorientate ourselves and reunite (together again) with God.
Step by step guide: What to do in Confession
Prepare yourself by reflecting on your sins and what you are going to do to try and stop repeating the sin. Only when you are ready, do you proceed to the Confessional.
1. Kneel, make the sign of the cross and say, “Bless me Father for I have sinned.”
2. Tell the father how long it has been since you last confessed. Egs.” It has been 1 month since my last confession.” If it is your first time then just say “this is my first confession.”
3. Tell the father your sins and how you have hurt God your loving father and when you have finished say “For these and all my sins, I am truly sorry.” Then tell the father how you are going to repent. (so as not to commit the sin again) egs. I will reflect on how Jesus died on the cross for me each time I am tempted to use bad words.
4. Listen to the Father if he has any advice for you, after which he will give you absolution.
5. Say the Act of Contrition.
6. Listen to the words of the Father as he gives you absolution.
7. Thank the Father out of politeness and respect and you might even say “Bless you Father”
8. Go quietly
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For the teaching of more advanced grades look to the information below.
Celebration of Reconciliation
There are three forms of the celebration of penance, they include the following:
Reconciliation for Individual Penitents (Rite I)
This form is celebrated by an individual person in the presence of the priest. The place where this happens is usually a Reconciliation Room (what used to be called a “Confessional’). A bible, a crucifix and candle are placed on a table in the centre of the space. The person may choose to sit facing the priest or to sit behind a screen and remain anonymous. The Rite begins with a greeting, followed by words of encouragement from the priest. After short reading from scripture, the person reflects on his/her circumstances and confesses his/her sins and seeks reconciliation. The priest offers advice and gives a penance that is meant to help in starting a new life and to remedy any weakness. The priest pronounces absolution and the rite concludes with a short thanksgiving.
Reconciliation for Several Penitents with individual confession and absolution (Rite II)
This form of the Rite begins with a celebration of the Word – readings from scripture, hymns, prayers, a homily and an examination of conscience, followed by a call to repentance. Private confession and reconciliation follow. The Rite concludes with a short thanksgiving, and a blessing and dismissal of the gathered assembly.
Reconciliation for Several Penitents with general confession and absolution (Rite III)
This form of the Rite follows the same pattern as Rite II, but does not include individual confession and reconciliation. It includes a communal prayer of confession and general absolution. The use of this form is restricted to emergencies and other special circumstances.
Celebration of Reconciliation
There are three forms of the celebration of penance, they include the following:
Reconciliation for Individual Penitents (Rite I)
This form is celebrated by an individual person in the presence of the priest. The place where this happens is usually a Reconciliation Room (what used to be called a “Confessional’). A bible, a crucifix and candle are placed on a table in the centre of the space. The person may choose to sit facing the priest or to sit behind a screen and remain anonymous. The Rite begins with a greeting, followed by words of encouragement from the priest. After short reading from scripture, the person reflects on his/her circumstances and confesses his/her sins and seeks reconciliation. The priest offers advice and gives a penance that is meant to help in starting a new life and to remedy any weakness. The priest pronounces absolution and the rite concludes with a short thanksgiving.
Reconciliation for Several Penitents with individual confession and absolution (Rite II)
This form of the Rite begins with a celebration of the Word – readings from scripture, hymns, prayers, a homily and an examination of conscience, followed by a call to repentance. Private confession and reconciliation follow. The Rite concludes with a short thanksgiving, and a blessing and dismissal of the gathered assembly.
Reconciliation for Several Penitents with general confession and absolution (Rite III)
This form of the Rite follows the same pattern as Rite II, but does not include individual confession and reconciliation. It includes a communal prayer of confession and general absolution. The use of this form is restricted to emergencies and other special circumstances.