The Sacrament of Reconciliation

Sin is a fact of life. Whether it's sins of the flesh (such as adultery, fornication, masturbation, gluttony, drunkenness), sins of pride (anger, hard-heartedness, envy), or some other kind of moral failing, we all fall prey to sin. Some sins are called “venial,” because they weaken the life of grace in the soul and make it more likely that the person will fall into “mortal” (i.e., serious) sin — the kind of sin which, because of its gravity, extinguishes the life of grace in the soul.

As the Bible reminds us very pointedly, “If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just, and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:8-9).

The problem is that many people become comfortable with living in the state of sin (c.f., 1 John 5:16-17) and never really make any effort to turn their hearts back toward the Lord with repentance and a firm desire to avoid sin and grow in holiness. There are even those who live an outward life of apparent goodness, but inwardly, they are practicing sins that keep them from the relationship with the Lord that He desires for them. “He who says, ‘I know him' but disobeys his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him” (1 John 2:4).

The good news is that Jesus Christ wants to free you from the chains of sin, give you new life in grace, and lead you to the heights of holiness. But he won't do that against your will. You must be willing to say “yes” to His gifts of grace and forgiveness. And the very first step along that path is to make a good, sincere, heartfelt confession of your sins.

Even if it's been many years since you last went to confession, there's no reason to be afraid or to delay. You can change your life today, by going to confession!

This section will provide you with some helpful resources to assist you with coming home. Whether it's finding out where and when you can go to confession or Mass, or how to resolve other issues, you should be able to find it here. And, as ever, please use these valuable resources if you have questions or need information that isn't covered here.

THE LORD ESTABLISHED THE SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION

Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I send you.” And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained” (John 20:21-23).

How to examine your conscience

Here's a helpful page from the U.S. Catholic Bishops on what the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) is, how it works, and how you can find out more about attending RCIA classes at a parish near you.

A guide for confession (PDF)

The basic requirement for a good confession is to have the intention of returning to God like the "prodigal son" and to acknowledge our sins with true sorrow before the priest.

Modern society has lost a sense of sin. As a Catholic follower of Christ, I must make an effort to recognize sin in my daily actions, words and omissions.

The Gospels show how important is the forgiveness of our sins. Lives of saints prove that the person who grows in holiness has a stronger sense of sin, sorrow for sins, and a need for the Sacrament of Penance or Confession.

How To Make a Good Confession (especially if you haven't gone in years)

“I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” –Matthew 16:19

What Is Reconciliation?

“Reconciliation or “confession” is a sacrament instituted by Jesus Christ in His love and mercy to offer sinners forgiveness for offenses committed against God. At the same time, sinners reconcile with the Church, because it also is wounded by our sins. We know this sacrament by various names: the Sacrament of Penance, Confession, or Reconciliation.

“Many Catholics avoid the Sacrament of Reconciliation simply because we don't remember how to confess our sins. We simply don't know what to say, and are too embarrassed to ask” (read more)