What is the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation (Confession)?

The sacrament of penance and reconciliation (confession) is part of the sacraments of healing, along with the anointing of the sick.

The sacrament of penance and reconciliation has several names, such as the sacrament of conversion (No. 1423 of the CCC), the sacrament of confession (No. 1424), and the sacrament of forgiveness (No. 1424). Through the sacramental absolution of the priest, God grants the penitent forgiveness and peace, Catechism number 1424 tells us. The call of Christ to the conversion of the baptized is a call that continues to resound. Having a hardened heart, this sacrament makes it possible to return to communion with God after having lost it through sin (No. 1489).

This is particularly discussed in numbers 1422 to 1498 of the Catechism.

So now, let's go further in the discovery of the sacrament of penance and reconciliation, with the main questions around this sacrament.

What are the spiritual effects of this sacrament?

Addressed in number 1496, the effects are in particular:

·         Peace, serenity of conscience and consolation

·         Reconciliation with God and with the Church

·         The remission of the eternal punishment incurred by mortal sins

·         The remission, at least in part, of temporal penalties as a result of sin

·         The increase of spiritual forces for the fight

The effects are particularly discussed in numbers 1468 to 1470 of the Catechism.

Why confess to a priest?

The website of the Catholic Church explains that if we can't talk to a clergyman about our mistakes, it will be difficult for us to talk to God, with the risk of confessing in front of ourselves. The site adds that “confessing before a priest is a way to put one's life into the hands and hearts of another, who, at this moment, acts in the name and on behalf of Jesus. ” Moreover, number 1441 of the Catechism shows us that God alone forgives sins, but that Christ nevertheless entrusted the exercise of the power of absolution to the apostolic ministry, that is to say to priests and bishops (No. 1442).

How to repare for this sacrament

Before undertaking this sacrament, it is always good to prepare. The first recommended way is to start praying: it can be good to reserve a time for prayer, to worship the Blessed Sacrament, to take a text of the Bible to meditate on, to say some prayers, etc.

It is also good to ask yourself a few questions, such as:

         · When was my last confession?

·         What spiritual progress have I been able to experience since that time?

·      Among the 10 commandments, what is, or are, the commandments where I have been the least faithful, and where I have lacked love the most?

·         Is there a serious or mortal sin I have committed?

In the catechism, we find:

·         An elaboration on the 10 commandments: this is the second section of the third part of the Catechism of the Catholic Church.

·         An elaboration on the sacrament of reconciliation: in the catechism, Article 4, entitled “The Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation,” found in the second section (The Seven Sacraments of the Church) of the Second Part of the catechism (The Celebration of the Christian Mystery).

·         The definition of sin with the distinction between mortal and venial sin: in the catechism, it is Article 8 entitled “Sin” which is found in the first section (The Vocation of Man: Life in the Spirit) of the Third Part of the catechism (Life in Christ). Numbers 1846 to 1876.

How does this sacrament work?

After the priest's greeting and blessing, sometimes accompanied by a verbal invitation to enter confession, the penitent states their faults and regrets them, including the act of contrition. The penitent may end by asking for absolution.

Number 1480 of the Catechism explains the elements of this sacrament even more precisely: “a greeting and blessing from the priest, reading the word of God to illuminate the conscience and elicit contrition, and an exhortation to repentance; the confession, which acknowledges sins and makes them known to the priest; the imposition and acceptance of a penance; the priest's absolution; a prayer of thanksgiving and praise and dismissal with the blessing of the priest.”

Before absolution, it is always good to recite your act of contrition. There are several possible, such as:

My God, I am heartily sorry for having offended Thee: and I detest my sins because I dread the loss of Heaven and the pains of hell; but most of all because they have offended Thee, my God, Who art all good and deserving of all my love. I firmly resolve, with the help of Thy grace, to confess my sins, to do penance and to amend my life. Amen.

Learn more about contrition in numbers 1451 to 1454 of the Catechism, or read this article.

After the recitation of the act of contrition, the priest gives absolution. There are several formulas. Probably the best known is this one:

“May God our Father show you his mercy! Through the death and Resurrection of his Son, He reconciled the world to Him and He sent the Holy Spirit for the forgiveness of sins; through the ministry of the Church, may He give you forgiveness and peace "

How often do you confess?

Number 1457 answers this question: According to the Church's command, “after having attained the age of discretion, each of the faithful is bound by an obligation faithfully to confess serious sins at least once a year.”(No. 1457). It is possible to undertake this sacrament more frequently, depending on what you carry, or according to the rhythm, which may have been decided for example with your spiritual companion. It should also be added that according to the same number 1457 of the Catechism that “Anyone who is aware of having committed a mortal sin must not receive Holy Communion, even if he experiences deep contrition, without having first received sacramental absolution, unless he has a grave reason for receiving Communion and there is no possibility of going to confession”

In addition, number 1458 recommends the confession of venial sins (daily faults).

On the other hand, the website of the Catholic Church explains that “it is not desirable to confess every day because we are not in a “hygienist” conception of confession where we should remove a task as soon as it appears, but in the deepening of the quality of a relationship with God.”

Finally, it is specified that before receiving Holy Communion for the first time, children must access this sacrament (No. 1457).

With Hozana, rediscover the mercy of God!

With Hozana, let us develop our taste for the practice of the sacraments and rediscover the mercy of God with the sacrament of reconciliation.

Discover the Love of God with communities, such as this community to approach the mercy of God, or this one to pray for souls in purgatory.