By Niamh

What are the steps and process of Reconcilation?

Don't know how to confess? Want to remember all the steps? You have the right page!

So how do we confess?

We have all made mistakes sometimes. Sometimes we take a while to realise what we have done but when we do we want a fresh start. So, when we go to Reconciliation at church, it is a time where we reflect on our sins and show to God that we are truly sorry for what we have done.

All the elements!

1. Examination of Conscience

- This is when we identify our faults. This may be done by reflecting back and looking at our mistakes. We also greet the Priest.

2. Contrition

- Contrition is when one truly regrets their sins and are truly sorry (concite) for what ever mistakes they made. It doesn't apply with one's feelings of guilt but their resolution to no longer sin.  Without Contrition, Confession is not valid. This is because people can say that their sorry but not actually mean it

3. Confession

- We confess our sins we thought about to the Priest. The Priest will be understanding so it is okay to talk about it.

4. Repentance

- This is when the Priest asks us to turn back to God and away from our sins. When do this, we also need to keep in mind that this means to try not to sin again.

5. Intention to make reparation

- This is when we promise to make a difference and to repair our sins. When we make this step, we are promising to do right from wrong.

6. Absolution

- This is when the Priest forgives us officially. The priest may give us a prayer to end the session. After the session ends it is quite natural to feel good. This is because we have confessed our sins and we have been forgiven.