The Need For Forgiveness

We all have a need for forgiveness. Sin harms our relationship with self, with others, and with God.
As members of the Church, our sin harms other people in the Church.
The sacrament of Reconciliation (Penance) absolves sin. Through ordination, priests are
"configured" to Christ and are given the power to forgive sins in his name.
He also represents the Church.

Parts of the Sacrament

Contrition	sorrow for the sin and the intention of sinning no more

Confession	oral confession of sins to a priest absolution by the priest acting in the person of Christ, in accord with the "power of the keys"

Satisfaction (Act of Penance)	expiation - to restore order amendment of life - sincere desire to change rectifying injuries done

How often should a Catholic go to Confession?

Catholics are obliged to confess their sins at least once a year. A Catholic aware of mortal sin should go to
confession as soon as possible, and before receiving communion. (Receiving Communion in a state of mortal sin is called a sacrilege - sinful use of holy people, places, or things). Many people find it helpful to grow spiritually by making frequent use of the sacrament - perhaps every two weeks, once a month, etc.

The "Seal of Confession"

A priest is absolutely bound to secrecy in the sacrament of Reconciliation. Nothing he hears can be repeated to anyone under any circumstances. He may not even reveal that a particular person has come to him in confession. A priest may never testify in court about any matter dealing with a confession.

If a priest meets you outside of the sacrament after you have received it from him, he cannot refer to anything that was heard in the confession.

Priests take this responsibility very seriously. Priests have gone to jail rather than reveal what was heard in a confession. The penalty for a priest breaking the seal of confession is excommunication.