Chapter 13: Sacrament of Reconciliation Turning Back to God Also called: Penance or Confession

Sacrament = efficacious sign of grace, instituted by Jesus Christ, entrusted to the Church, in which we receive divine life and grace

Sacraments of Initiation = Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist Sacraments of Healing = Reconciliation and Anointing of the Sick

Definition of sin = offense against God; a deliberate thought, word deed, or omission against God and right conscience Can sin in thought, word, deed or things we dont do

2 types of sin Original Sin = sin of Adam and Eve, each person is born with this flaw in their nature Actual sin = sin we commit daily in our personal lives

Actual sin is divided into 2 categories Mortal Sin = an action contrary to the will of God that it results in complete separation from God and Gods grace; the consequence of mortal sin is eternal death Has 3 conditions Grave matter – must be serious Full knowledge Full consent Venial Sin = a less serious offense against God that weakens the relationship with Him but does not break the relationship completely

Sins of commission = something you do Sins of omission = things you are required to do, but fail to do

God gives us His mercy = the loving kindness and compassion given to one who offends God has infinite mercy for us No matter how many times we sin, He will always forgive us

We have the opportunity for forgiveness and restoration, just have to seek it out

Sacrament of Reconciliation = Sacrament of healing in which Jesus Christ himself, through the actions of a priest, forgives the sins committed after Baptism Restores our bond with God after we have broken it by sinning Reunites us with the Church

Jesus set up the Sacrament John 20:19, = Jesus gives the Apostles the power He has to forgive the sins of people Jesus passes this healing power to His Apostles and through Apostolic Succession this has continued in Church

Different names for the Sacrament Sacrament of Conversion – it makes Jesus call to conversion present in our lives in a sacramental form Sacrament of Penance – aids us in our steps of return to God: conversion, penance and satisfaction Sacrament of Confession – it involves the personal disclosure of our sins as a part of the rite of the Sacrament Sacrament of Forgiveness – God forgives sins through the priests actions, giving us pardon and peace Sacrament of Reconciliation – its a gift of the life of God who reconciles all sinners to Himself – we are reconciled to Him through it

In Baptism we were made new and free from the blemish of sin, but concupiscence or the inclination to sin was not removed We struggle with this everyday –We are all sinners –We must struggle to be holy so we can go to Heaven God gives us the Sacrament of Reconciliation as spiritual healing – a way to remove sin when we fall into it Reconciliation is the opportunity for conversion

Christ entrusted the ministry of Reconciliation to the Church A way for people to return to Gods grace = forgiveness of sins through the ministry of the Church Power to forgive sins has been passed through the ages through Apostolic Succession and Sacrament of Holy Orders Only a Bishop or Priest can give this Sacrament

Before receiving the Sacrament of Reconciliation must make an Examination of Conscience Conscience = interior voice of each human being, within whose heart the law of God is written Helps us avoid sin and recognize when we need to change our ways Each person is born with this gift of God Born with an elementary knowledge of good and evil, must form our consciences as we grow

Examination of Conscience = questioning self on sins committed since last Confession Must have contrition = sorrow for sins – and have a resolution to sin no more

Penitent = person receiving Sacrament – then enters Confessional and receives Sacrament

Rite of Reconciliation Reception of the Penitent: Sign of the Cross, Priest invites penitent to trust in Gods mercy and forgiveness, also prays for the penitent to make a good confession Confession of sins and Acceptance of Penance Confess sins after good examination of conscience Priest offers counsel or advice how to remedy situations and not sin again Priest gives a Penance for penitent to complete to make up, or satisfy, for our sins

Prayer of Penitent and Absolution Penitent prays Act of Contrition –Prayer expression sorrow for sins Prayer of Absolution Essential part of the Sacrament = Confession of sins and Absolution Proclamation of praise of God and Dismissal –Praise God for His forgiveness of sins and make Sign of the Cross

6 points to making a good Confession Examination of Conscience Sorrow for sin = contrition Resolve to avoid sin in the future Confession of sins Making an Act of Contrition Doing the assigned Penance

For Confession to be fully worthwhile the penitent must be contrite for their sins and do the assigned penance Contrite = being sorry for ones sins Perfect Contrition = being sorry for your sins out of love for God Imperfect Contrition = being sorry for your sins out of fear of punishment or hell

Should confess mortal sins regularly and receive the Sacrament at least once a year True love of Jesus should lead us to confess as soon as possible after mortal sins Church recommends once a month Every sin harms and weakens us by inclining us to sin again Makes it easier for us recognize our sins and work so that they dont become habits

Sin harms our relationship with our neighbors and the Church We must undo any harm we have caused by our sin Justice and Charity calls us to act

Effects of the Sacrament of Reconciliation Purpose of the Sacrament = reconciliation with God

Effects of Confession of Sins Forgives sins Remits eternal punishment caused by mortal sin Imparts actual graces to avoid sin in the future Reconciles the penitent with the Church Gives peace of conscience and spiritual consolation

Benefits of Frequent Confession Genuine self knowledge is increased Bad habits are corrected and conscience strenthened Will is strengthened Lukewarmness is resisted Self control is increased

Read Luke 15: What occurs in this story? 2. What is the message of this story? 3. Who does the Father represent? Why? 4. Who does the Younger Son represent? Why? 5. Have you experienced forgiveness in your life? How?