Sacrament of Healing
My First Experience
When is Reconciliation offered at my parish?
Examination of Conscience
- Scriptural Foundation- 1 John 1:9 "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just, and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness
- Minister- The only ones that can hear a confession and absolve someone of their sins in the name of Christ are a priest or bishop
- Receiver- Anyone in mortal sin who desires the Grace of Confession, or is in need of spiritual healing or guidance
- Frequency- Minimum is at least once per year and maximum is often as necessary
- Effect- Forgiveness of serious sin, reunification with the Church, cleansing of conscience, restoration of grace
- Form- "God, the Father of mercies, through death and resurrection of his Son has reconciled the world to himself and sent the Holy Spirit among us for the forgiveness of sins; through the ministry of the Church may God give you pardon and peace, and I absolve you from your sins in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit."
- Matter- The individual's sins, contrition, the confession of sins, the priest's words of absolution
My First Experience
- I don't remember all of my feelings from when I had first experienced Reconciliation, but I remember that I was very nervous. I was extremely nervous about what I would confess to the priest and how I would say it. I remember going through what I was going to say to the priest and how I was going to say it in my head, but then once it came to the actual thing, I froze and forgot everything. I quickly remembered and told the priest my sins. After I had confessed my sins, it felt like I could walk lighter knowing I had those things off of me now.
When is Reconciliation offered at my parish?
- Reconciliation is offered every Saturday from 4pm to 4:45pm and you are invited to call and make an appointment to celebrate the sacrament
Examination of Conscience
- Psalm 139:23-24 "Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me and know my anxious thoughts; And see if there be any hurtful way in me, And lead me in the everlasting way. "
- This is an examination of conscience, as it is clear that the man is acknowledging that he can not do this on his own and is asking for God's forgiveness. This man is asking God to help guide him to the right path and to a better life. He is asking himself if he is worthy enough, and he knows that he is not so he asks for God's intercession and guidance.