Reconciliation (Or Penance): Sacrament Of Healing

The Lord Jesus Christ, physician of our souls and bodies, who forgave the sins of the paralytic and restored him to bodily health, has willed that his Church continue, in the power of the Holy Spirit, his work of healing and salvation, even among her own members. This is the purpose of the two sacraments of healing: the sacrament of Penance and the sacrament of Anointing of the Sick.

Reconciliation (or Penance): The forgiveness of sins committed after Baptism is conferred by a particular sacrament called the sacrament of conversion, confession, penance, or reconciliation. One who desires to obtain reconciliation with God and with the Church must confess to a priest all the unconfessed grave sins he remembers after having carefully examined his conscience. The confession of venial faults, without being necessary in itself, is nevertheless strongly recommended by the Church. 

The spiritual effects of the sacrament of Penance are: 

• reconciliation with God by which the penitent recovers grace; 
• reconciliation with the Church;
• remission of the eternal punishment incurred by mortal sins;
• remission, at least in part, of temporal punishments resulting from sin; 
• peace and serenity of conscience, and spiritual consolation; 
• an increase of spiritual strength for the Christian battle.

Where is the Sacrament of Reconciliation in Scripture?

Matthew 9:8, Luke 5:24, John 20:21-23, 2 Corinthians 5:18, and many more!

Resources

Has it been a long time or do you need help preparing yourself for the Sacrament of Reconciliation (also referred to as confession or Penance)? Know that God's Mercy and Love are always available to you! We should always examine our consciences and pray for God's guidance before Reconciliation so we're prepared to make a truly penitential confession.

EXAMINATION OF CONSCIENCE

Looking for Reconciliation times at your parish or another nearby? Most parishes have Saturday afternoons and some have various times throughout the week where a priest is available to hear confessions. Many parishes have their specific Reconciliation times posted on their website or in their bulletin. When you find the parish in the directory, you'll find the link to the parish website on their page.