Reconciliation

The Sacrament of Reconciliation offers every baptized Catholic the opportunity to take stock of our lives, admit our sins, and through God's unconditional forgiveness and mercy become reconciled to the Church and our neighbor.

"Those who approach the sacrament of Penance obtain pardon from God's mercy for the offense committed against him, and are, at the same time, reconciled with the Church which they have wounded by their sins and which by charity, by example, and by prayer labors for their conversion."

It is called the sacrament of conversion because it makes sacramentally present Jesus' call to conversion, the first step in returning to the Father from whom one has strayed by sin.

It is called the sacrament of Penance, since it consecrates the Christian sinner's personal and ecclesial steps of conversion, penance, and satisfaction.

It is called the sacrament of confession, since the disclosure or confession of sins to a priest is an essential element of this sacrament. In a profound sense it is also a "confession" - acknowledgment and praise - of the holiness of God and of his mercy toward sinful man.

It is called the sacrament of forgiveness, since by the priest's sacramental absolution God grants the penitent "pardon and peace."

It is called the sacrament of Reconciliation, because it imparts to the sinner the live of God who reconciles: "Be reconciled to God."⁷ He who lives by God's merciful love is ready to respond to the Lord's call: "Go; first be reconciled to your brother."
 

An Examination of Conscience

+ For the times when I forget that I need a Savior, and arrogantly rely on myself as if I am sufficient to myself: Lord Jesus, have mercy on me!

+ For the times when I trust my sinful attachments more than the Father’s love: Lord Jesus, have mercy on me!

+ For the times when I allow my own reactions and opinions to supersede the truth of the Father revealed to me through Christ in his Church: Lord Jesus, have mercy on me!

+ For the times when I shun the presence of Christ, whether it be his sacramental presence or his presence through the people he puts in my life: Lord Jesus, have mercy on me!

+ For the times when I blaspheme by using other human beings as things that I can manipulate or use for my own selfish ends: Lord Jesus, have mercy on me!

+ For the times when I abuse those things the Father has given to me for the building up of his Kingdom: Lord Jesus, have mercy on me!

+ For the times when I justify my sinfulness: Lord Jesus, have mercy on me!

Our Father, Who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.   Amen
 

Closing Prayer

God our Father, in this Lenten season may we not betray your love by trying to deserve it. Help us to fast from all that distracts us from your love. Help us to recognize you as the origin and goal of all the desires you place in our hearts. Help us to be true to ourselves and true to you by continuing to beg for your love. Through Christ our Lord.    Amen