Catechism Corner | Lent and the Sacrament of Reconciliation

Now that we are in the midst of the Lenten season, it's fairly common knowledge that many people have pretty much eliminated this sacrament from their lives –perhaps not consciously, but simply pushed it aside. Let's face it. It's not easy to admit our sins, and it's even harder to confess them to another person, even if it is a priest. I can only assure you that every priest, including myself, must confess his sins to his brother priest.

In some ways it may seem a burden. And yet, to be truthful, there is hardly anything more adult and mature that we can do than face our own faults and sins. Some may say, "Well, I just go directly to God." But my question is: Do you actually examine your conscience, sit down quietly, confess your sins to God, and ask forgiveness?

As difficult as this can be, it is one opportunity to actually ask ourselves how we have acted towards our families, spouses, and those around us.While I might call myself a Catholic, have I done what I need to do in living my faith? Lent is a perfect time to give honest answers to these questions.

How we approach the reception of God's mercy is important. We are God's children. We come to the father to ask his forgiveness through the mercy of Jesus given by the ordained priest. It's not just ritual.

Simple Steps to Receiving the Sacrament

1. Examination of conscience. This is not supposed to be a torture session. Actually, our consciences will bring to mind any serious sins we have committed. Even people who have been away from the confessional for many years, even decades, realize that knowing our sins is not the hard part. It's actually owning up to them to another.Keep in mind that God knows the whole past in every detail anyway. We make an honest effort to know ourselves and our failings.But, again, it's God's mercy that is most important.
2. Sorrow for sin. If we are serious about going to confession, sorrow comes almost automatically.After all, we are admitting we are sinners right up front. That truthful admission brings sorrow.
3. Confession of sin. Confess your sins as simply and as honestly as you can.It is easy to link sin with a commandment: missing Mass (third), anger (fifth), impurity (sixth, ninth).
4. Receive penance given. Listen to the words of the priest as he tries to guide you and remind you of God's love for you.
5. Act of contrition. Making an act of contrition can be very short: "O, God, I am sorry for all my sins, now and in the past, and I will try with all my heart not to sin again."