Sacrament of Healing – also known as Confession or Penance
Sacrament of Healing — also known as Confession or Penance
“If we confess our sins, he who is faithful and just will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
1 John 1:9
What is the Sacrament of Reconciliation?
The Sacrament of Reconciliation is a profound gift of God’s mercy. Through the ministry of the priest, the Lord Jesus Christ himself absolves the penitent from sin and restores them to communion with God and with the Church. This sacrament is sometimes called Confession, because the declaration of sins to a priest is an essential element, or Penance, because it involves personal acts of repentance and satisfaction.
Jesus entrusted this ministry of reconciliation to the apostles when he said to them: “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them” (John 20:22–23). The Church has faithfully exercised this ministry ever since.
The Acts of the Penitent
The sacrament requires three acts on the part of the penitent. First, contrition: a sincere sorrow for sins committed and a firm resolve not to sin again. Second, confession: the honest disclosure of sins to the priest. The faithful are required to confess all grave (mortal) sins of which they are aware. Third, satisfaction: the penitent performs the act of penance assigned by the confessor, which may be a prayer, an act of charity, or some other work, as a sign of the desire to amend one’s life.
The Seal of Confession
Anything disclosed in the sacrament of Reconciliation is protected by an absolute seal of secrecy. A priest may never reveal what has been confessed to him, under any circumstances whatsoever. This inviolable seal ensures that every penitent can approach the sacrament with complete confidence and trust.
When and How to Go to Confession
The Church encourages the faithful to receive the sacrament of Reconciliation regularly. It is required at least once a year if one is aware of having committed a grave sin. Confession is typically available at scheduled times in the parish, but you are always welcome to arrange an appointment with a priest.
How to Go to Confession
If it has been some time since your last confession, or if you have never been, do not be afraid. The priest is there to help you, not to judge you. Here is a simple guide:
- Prepare — Spend some time in prayer, examining your conscience. Consider how you have lived in light of God’s commandments and the teaching of Christ.
- Begin — When you enter the confessional, make the Sign of the Cross and say: “Bless me, Father, for I have sinned. It has been [length of time] since my last confession.”
- Confess — Tell the priest your sins simply and honestly. If you are unsure or nervous, the priest will help guide you.
- Listen — The priest may offer counsel and will assign a penance. He will then ask you to make an Act of Contrition.
- Receive absolution — The priest will pray the prayer of absolution, through which God grants you forgiveness.
- Give thanks — After leaving the confessional, spend a few moments in prayer thanking God for his mercy, and complete the penance given to you.