How Do Catholics Experience the Sacrament of Reconciliation?

Welcome to the first post in a series that will delve deep into the Sacrament of Reconciliation. 

In case you aren't familiar, the Sacrament of Reconciliation is sometimes referred to as the Sacrament of Penance or as just plain Confession. The different labels provide some insight to the process and the meaning of this wonderful Sacrament.

Reconciliation involves, a Catholic priest and a Catholic lay person who has received the Sacrament of Confession. The lay person confesses his or her sins to a priest in the spirit of genuine repentance and through God’s Grace receives forgiveness. The priest represents Christ who uses him as a vessel to forgive sins when the words of absolution are spoken.

So, how does a Catholic experience the Sacrament of Reconciliation?

Reconciliation can be experienced in three distinct ways:

-              Individual reconciliation

-              Communal celebration with the opportunity for individual Confession

-              Communal celebration with general confession and absolution

Individual Reconciliation

Individual Reconciliation is celebrated by an individual in the presence of a priest (and God of course!). It typically happens in a “Confessional”. A crucifix, Bible, and candle are placed on a table in the center of the space. The person going to Confession (Penitent) can choose to sit behind a screen and stay anonymous or can sit facing the priest.

The Act of Reconciliation starts with a brief greeting from the priest that’s usually followed by a word of encouragement. The priest reads a few verses of Holy scripture, the penitent reflects on his/her circumstances, confesses his/her sins, and then requests forgiveness.

The priest eventually offers advice and gives penance that’s targeted at helping the Penitent start a new life and remedy any of his/her weaknesses. It concludes with the priest pronouncing absolution and a short thanksgiving.

Communal Celebration with the Opportunity for Individual Confession

This typically happens during the seasons of Lent or Advent and starts with a celebration of the Word such as prayers, hymns, readings from scripture, a homily, as well as an examination of conscience that’s followed by a call to repentance. Individual Confession and Reconciliation come next. It concludes with a brief thanksgiving, a blessing from the priest, and the dismissal of the gathered assembly.

Communal Celebration with General Confession and Absolution

It is only used in extraordinary circumstances, such as extreme danger where death likely in the immediate future and there is an insufficient number of confessors (priests to hear confessions), or in situations where penitents would be denied Holy Communion or sacramental grace for an extended period through no fault of their own.

The process involves one confessor giving absolution to a

group of people that don’t make individual confessions to the priest. Penitents guilty of grave or serious sins are expected to make individual confessions as soon as possible but not more than 1 year after they receive general absolution.

Judgment with regards to whether the conditions for general absolution have been met is not a matter for the confessor but rather for the diocesan bishop to decide based on the guidance of norms the Holy See has established.

Well, that wraps it up for today's post. We'll be back early this week with the second of the series which will let you know what happens in the Confessional. By the way, if you need somewhere close to receive forgiveness today, check out our confessions near me page.