Reconciliation: A Healing Process

The sacrament of Reconciliation is one of the sacraments of healing and helps to put us back into right relationship with God through the confession and forgiveness of sin. It is Jesus Christ who, through the person of the priest, forgives the penitent and brings him/her back to Himself. According to the teaching of the Catholic Church, Catholics are required to receive this sacrament at least once a year. If a person is guilty of a mortal sin, he/she should attend this sacrament before receiving Christ in the Eucharist. For an explanation of what constitutes a mortal sin, please read paragraphs 1856-1859 in the Catechism of the Catholic Church.
Before receiving this sacrament, it is necessary to do an examination of conscience. During this process, you will look at God's Law and see where you have strayed from it in your life. Anything you notice while you are examining your conscience that is incompatible with God's Law should be confessed. A form of examination of conscience can be found here.


Preparation for Children

Every child who has reached the age of discretion must be given adequate basic catechesis for the celebration of Penance so that participation in the sacrament may be a free response.

Children are considered ready to celebrate the sacrament of Penance when there is an age-appropriate awareness of their relationship with God and neighbor, knowledge that they can harm this relationship through sin, an experience of contrition for sin and a realization that they need to change their behavior, and an ability to talk with a priest about their sins. Preparation sessions for parents and children who are ready to celebrate this sacrament are usually held in the fall.

For more information about preparing your child for this sacrament, please contact Paula Price at (501) 982-4891.