Reconciliation (Confession, Penance)
“Those who approach the sacrament of Penance obtain pardon from God’s mercy for the offense committed against him and are, at the same time, reconciled with the Church which they have wounded by their sins.”
(CCC 1422)
“The whole power of the sacrament of Penance consists in restoring us to God’s grace and joining us with him in an intimate friendship.”
(CCC 1468)
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just, and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9)
Receive the Holy Spirit. Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained. (John 20:22–23)
What is Reconciliation?
Reconciliation is the Sacrament in which sins committed after Baptism are forgiven, bringing us back into communion with God and the Church. (US Catholic Catechism for Adults, Glossary)
It is one of the sacraments of healing. Through it, Christ restores us when sin has wounded our relationship with Him and with others.
For help preparing for the Sacraments of Reconciliation:
