The Sacrament Reconciliation is a sacrament in which we are sorry for our sins, confess them to a priest, receive forgiveness for them and are reconciled with God and the Church.
Jesus Christ, the Son of God, gave the Church the power to forgive sins when he breathed on the Apostles and said: ‘Receive the Holy Spirit. Whose sins you shall forgive, they are forgiven.’ (John 20 22:23)
The Sacrament of Reconciliation has been called a number of different names at different times:
- The Sacrament of Conversion. It is the first step we take in making things right with God.
- The sacrament of Penance. By our presence we think of the damage sin does to the community.
- The Sacrament of Confession. We own up to our failings, relying on God’s mercy.
- The Sacrament of Reconciliation. We become reconciled with God, ourselves and the community.
A child from the age of seven should be able to understand that confession helps them to grow closer to Jesus and come closer to the kind of person Jesus wants them to be. Important concepts that are imparted during the preparation period are:
- In confession, God forgives us and helps us to become better.
- Jesus came to show us how to live as God’s children.
- Jesus taught us how to love God, love others, and use God’s gifts well
He gave his life for us. - Sin is wrongdoing for which a person is responsible.
- God continues to love us in spite of our sin and wants us to admit our responsibility and turn to him in sorrow.
- God forgives everyone who is sorry and wants to be forgiven.