Reconciliation/Confession

The sacrament of Reconciliation is one of the most beautiful and unique aspects of Catholicism. Jesus, in his abundant love and mercy, established Confession, so that our sins may be forgiven and that we may reconcile with God.  The feeling of being absolved of wrong doing in the eyes of the Lord offers Catholics incredible feelings of peace, joy, relief and love. First Reconciliation is generally celebrated in second grade before the reception of 1st communion. Children who have not received the sacrament for whatever reason can be prepared at any time after second grade.  

Children spend time in second grade learning about the definition of sin and the reason why sin needs to be forgiven.  Children also learn the Act of Contrition. 

 

Before celebrating the Sacrament of Reconciliation, one should prepare with an Examination of Conscience, which involves reflecting prayerfully into our hearts to ask how we have hurt our relationships with God and other people through our thoughts, words, and actions.

 

You might find these scripture passages helpful in praying to God for mercy and forgiveness of your sins:

 

Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. Psalm 51:1-2

For the Lord your God is gracious and compassionate. He will not turn his face from you if you return to him. 2 Chronicles 30:9b

Because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—for it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God. Ephesians 2:4-8