What Is Reconciliation? “To reconcile” literally means to bring back together, to be reconnected. Jesus wants each of us to be free, full of joy in being reconciled and healed through the merciful love of God. Reconciliation (also known as Confession or Penance) is a special healing sacrament in which God calls us to be reconciled, to be forgiven of our sins, to repair the bonds that are broken by our sins. It is a celebration of God’s amazing grace, welcoming us back home. The Sacrament is basically our examining our conscience, confessing our sin, asking for forgiveness, being forgiven and then committing ourselves to changing our lives and helping others change theirs. “You are mine. You are precious in my eyes. You are honored and I love you. Do not be afraid. I am with you.” Isaiah 43: 1-4

Examination and Contrition “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you.” Luke 15:18 An Examination of conscience is a prayerful self-reflection on one’s sins. We look deeply into our lives and ask ourselves, “what is it that keeps me away from a deeper love of God and respect for other people? What is really burdening me; what is it that is keeping me from feeling at peace with myself, with God or others?” Often when we reflect on our lives and we ask this question, we see there is a root sin or a major issue and that is really what needs to be expressed during the sacrament. “Sin” literally means to miss the mark. Our goal is union with God, so anything that allows us to miss our target of union with God and others is considered sinful. Contrition is feeling sorry for one’s sins. Sincere sorrow, genuine remorse, is necessary for the sacrament. Are you sorry for your sins? If so, know that the love of God is able to find a space in your heart, especially through this sacrament.

Confession and Absolution This is a sacrament in which we have the grace and courage to bring our sins out into the light. It is called Confession – a formal admission of our sins. Confessing a particular sin is an extremely important step that we take in leaving that sin behind. It brings light to that sin and the sin kind of disintegrates with the light as it were. In your confession, God is the ultimate hearer of your sins. The priest is the agent, the witness, who brings the healing power of the sacrament, the grace to renew you and release you from your sins. The final part of the sacrament is the words of absolution, spoken by the priest. Absolution means the release and forgiveness of sins. God is always ready to forgive, even at the last moment.