Reconciliation

It is most often called the Sacrament of Reconciliation but sometimes called Confession or Penance.

A frequent reception of the Sacrament is recommended for all. After reaching the age of discretion, commonly accepted to be seven years of age, the faithful are to confess serious sins at least once a year.

Serious sins must be confessed in number and kind. It is recommended that venial sins also be confessed. 

The penitent has the option to use a confessional, which may be a reconciliation chapel or room, allowing one to kneel at a fixed grill or to meet the priest face-to-face. Confessions may be heard outside a confessional for a just cause. 

After confessing his or her sins, the priest asks the penitent to express sorrow. This may be done in one of the traditional forms, in the penitent’s own words, or in other forms including these prayers from scripture or tradition:

Psalm 51:4-5

Wash me from my guilt and cleanse me from my sin. I acknowledge my offense; my sin is before me always.

Luke 15:18; 18 13

Father, I have sinned against you and am no longer worthy to be called your son. Be merciful to me, a sinner.

The “Jesus Prayer”. Lord Jesus, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.

The rites are outlined above, but let the confessor be your guide. His ministry is that of Christ. His task is reconciliation. He is most concerned with helping you experience the graces of the sacrament, not how well you remember the rite. In a communal celebration there are always programs to help the assembly. In addition, the presider will give instructions at various points during the service.

It is for priests, and especially parish priests (pastors):

1. in celebrating reconciliation with individuals or with a community, to adapt the rite to the concrete circumstances of the penitents. They must preserve the essential structure and the entire form of absolution, but if necessary they may omit some parts of the rite for pastoral reasons or enlarge upon them, may select the texts of readings or prayers, and may choose a place more suitable for the celebration according to the regulations of the conference of bishops, so that the entire celebration may be enriching and effective;
2. to celebrate and prepare occasional penitential services during the year especially in Lent. In order that the texts chosen and the order of celebration may be adapted to the conditions and circumstances of the community or group (for example, children, sick persons, etc.), priests may be assisted by others, including the laity.”