Most of us would know this Sacrament as Confession, it also goes by other names: reconciliation, Sacrament of Forgiveness or Conversion. This sacrament is a sign and experience of God's unconditional forgiveness.
The Sacrament of Reconciliation is one of the most unique and beautiful aspects of Catholicism. Jesus Christ, in His abundant love and mercy, established the Sacrament of Reconciliation, so that we as sinners can obtain forgiveness for our sins and reconcile with God and the Church. The sacrament “washes us clean,” and renews us in Christ.
“Jesus said to them again, ‘Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I send you.’ And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and said to them, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained’” (John 20:21-23).
Reconciliation is a sacrament which can be celebrated repeatedly throughout one's life, and indeed Catholics are encouraged to receive this sacrament frequently. At a minimum, Catholics must make a confession of sins when they are conscious of mortal sin before the reception of Holy Communion. The precept of the Church says that Catholics ought to confess their sins in the sacrament of Confession at least once a year during the Easter Season.
Please contact your local parish for more information. Click here to find a Parish near you.