The Sacrament of God’s Mercy and Forgiveness
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”
— 1 John 1:9
God’s Love and Mercy
In the Sacrament of Reconciliation we receive God’s love and become close to God in a renewed way. It is a way of answering Jesus’ call to return to our Father, and to become fully human and fully alive.
No one becomes fully human overnight or even in a year or two. It takes time. While we are growing towards full humanity we need help. As we have seen, during his life on earth Jesus recognised this and constantly offered healing and reconciliation to the people he met.
The parish priests are always available to celebrate this sacrament. You are warmly welcome to approach this sacrament at any time – whether it has been a week or many years since your last confession.
What Is the Sacrament of Reconciliation?
The Sacrament of Penance is also known as the ‘Sacrament of Reconciliation’ or traditionally called ‘Confession’. It is the rite by which sins are confessed and forgiven. Sin is failure to recognise and love God in the way we think or act. Sin is also not just a failure to love God directly but also a failure to love one another. This is referred to as “the community sense of sin”.
- Jesus gave the Apostles the power to forgive sins when He said: “Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them” (John 20:23).
- Through the priest, it is Christ Himself who absolves us from our sins. We call this ‘Absolution’. The priest represents God and the community who is affected by sin.
- Confession involves three acts of the penitent: contrition (sorrow for sin), confession (telling your sins to the priest), and penance (making amends).
- The priest is bound by the “Seal of Confession” – an absolute obligation never to reveal anything said in confession, under any circumstances.
- Penance is a sign of sorrow and a commitment to try to make amends. It is also a sign of our sincerity to change our lives. This is what is meant by conversion.
- Any person who has been baptised and prepared appropriately can celebrate this sacrament.
Returning to Confession
How to Go to Confession
Begin by making the Sign of the Cross and saying “Bless me, Father, for I have sinned. It has been [length of time] since my last confession.” Then tell the priest your sins. The priest will offer guidance, assign a penance, and say the words of absolution. Don’t worry if you’re nervous – the priest is there to help.
Examining Your Conscience
Before confession, spend time in quiet reflection, examining your conscience. Consider how you have lived in relation to the Ten Commandments and the teachings of Christ. Think about your relationships with God and with others. Where have you fallen short? Where have you failed to love?
The Joy of Forgiveness
Many people describe an extraordinary sense of peace, relief and joy after confession. The weight of sin is lifted, and we are restored to friendship with God. Pope Francis encourages everyone to approach this sacrament regularly: “Never tire of asking forgiveness. He never tires of forgiving.”
Preparation & Arrangements
1
Examine Your Conscience
Spend time in quiet prayer reflecting on your actions, thoughts and omissions since your last confession.
2
Make an Act of Contrition
Be truly sorry for your sins and have a firm intention not to sin again.
3
Confess Your Sins
Tell the priest your sins honestly and completely. The priest is bound by the Seal of Confession and can never reveal what you tell him.
4
Receive Absolution and Penance
The priest will give you absolution and assign a penance. Complete the penance as soon as possible after confession.
Requirements
- Must be a baptised Catholic
- Must have reached the age of reason (approximately 7 years old)
- Must examine their conscience before confession
- Must have true sorrow for their sins (contrition)
- Must have a firm purpose of amendment
Get in Touch
The Sacrament of Reconciliation is available in Church every Saturday evening before the Vigil Mass, or at any time by simply contacting the Parish Office.