The Sacrament of Reconciliation (as per the Rite Book)

RITE FOR RECONCILIATION OF INDIVIDUAL PENITENTS RECEPTION OF THE CANDIDATE: When the penitent comes to confess his sins, the priest welcomes him warmly and greets him with kindness.

Then the penitent makes the sign of the cross which the priest may make also. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

The priest invites the penitent to have trust in God, in these or similar words: May God, who has enlightened every heart, help you to know your sins and trust in his mercy. The penitent answers: Amen
READING OF THE WORD OF GOD (Optional) Then the priest may read or say from memory a text of Scripture which proclaims God’s mercy and calls man to conversion.

A reading may also be chosen from those given for the reconciliation of several penitents. The priest and penitent may choose other readings from scripture.

CONFESSION OF SINS AND ACCEPTANCE OF SATISFACTION

Where it is the custom, the penitent says a general formula for confession (for example, I confess to almighty God) before he confesses his sins.

If necessary, the priest helps the penitent to make an integral confession and gives him suitable counsel. He urges him to be sorry for his faults, reminding him that through the sacrament of penance the Christian dies and rises with Christ and is thus renewed in the paschal mystery. The priest proposes an act of penance which the penitent accepts to make  satisfaction for sin and to amend his life.  The priest should make sure that he adapts his  counsel to the penitent’s circumstances.

PRAYER OF THE PENITENT AND ABSOLUTION

The priest then asks the penitent to express his sorrow, which the penitent may do in these or similar words: My God, I am sorry for my sins with all my heart. In choosing to do wrong and failing to do good, I have sinned against you whom I should love above all things. I firmly intend, with your help, to do penance, to sin no more, and to avoid whatever leads me to sin. Our Saviour Jesus Christ suffered and died for us. In his name, my God, have mercy. Or: Lord Jesus, Son of God have mercy on me, a sinner.

Then the priest extends his hands over the penitent’s head (or at least extends his right hand) and says: God, the Father of mercies, through the 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. And the penitent answers: Amen.

PROCLAMATION OF PRAISE OF GOD AND DISMISSAL

After the absolution, the priest continues: Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. The penitent concludes: His mercy endures for ever.

Then the priest dismisses the penitent who has been reconciled, saying: The Lord has freed you from your sins. Go in peace. =========================================================

Who is a penitent: someone who is sorry for his or her sins.
What is absolution: being released from our sins, set free.
What is penance: something which must be done or accepted to make up for confessed sin. It should correspond to the type of sins and their gravity.
When must a person receive the Sacrament of Penance? A Catholic who has committed a mortal or serious sin must receive the Sacrament of Penance. The Church requires us to receive the sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation at least once a year if we have serious sin.
Examination of Conscience: recalling how one has lived up to one’s commitment to Christ in thoughts, words and actions as well as how ones duties were accomplished.
Information from the Rite Book and the Catechism of the Catholic Church.

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