Reconciliation
The sacrament of Reconciliation is one of the sacraments of healing within the Church. Through the sacrament of Baptism we belong to a God who loves and accepts us unconditionally. Because of this great love God has for us, God is always ready to offer mercy and forgiveness to his children. All people have the need for forgiveness and reconciliation, because sin, a “conscious and deliberate intention” to separate ourselves from God and from each other, is a reality of the human condition. The sacrament of Reconciliation is made up of four parts: contrition – a sincere sorrow for sin and a desire for conversion, this has been called the “most important act of the penitent;” confession - an essential element of the sacrament includes confession of sins to the priest who “acting in the person of Christ … pronounces his decision of forgiveness or retention of sins;” penance – “acts of satisfaction for the sins committed, by amendment of conduct, and also by the reparation of injury;” and absolution – the pardon by God, which reconciles us with God and each other and completes the sacrament. The celebration of the sacrament of Reconciliation brings about the “restoration of the dignity and blessings of the life of the children of God.” For this sacrament of healing to “truly achieve its purpose among Christ’s faithful, it must take root in their whole lives and move them to more fervent service of God and neighbour.”Click here for the format for the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
Resources:
1. A Catechesis on Reconciliation
3. National Bulletin on Liturgy #164
How to Prepare Your Child for Reconciliation
When we introduce children to the sacrament of reconciliation, we must keep in mind that reconciliation means more than the forgiveness of sins. Reconciliation is a life-style, a mission, a ministry and a process in which all Christians - young and old - are continually involved. Reconciliation means reunion with God and with one another through, with and in Christ. Reconciliation is marked not by sorrow but by hope and confidence.
In preparing your child for this sacrament you need to be more than ever present and attentive to your child. As parents we share our child’s difficulties, joys, hopes, successes and failures. Taking advantage of times to be a good listener is important now. Take care to deepen family relationships, especially experiences of forgiveness that occur. At different times make the religious significance of these experiences clear.
Talk to your child about how your family cares for one another when facing problems. Ask:
- Do we ever argue at home? Do we always know why we argue?
- Is it hard to care for one another, to be responsible to one another?
- How do you feel when someone hurts you? cares for you?
As a family, decide on a way that will show you care for one another. Remind your child that Jesus tells us that God is always forgiving and asks us to be forgiving in return. Pray the "Our Father" with your child. Ask what words in this prayer speak to us of reconciliation. Help your child to focus on one personal instance for which they wish to ask God's forgiveness. Try to help your child to be aware of an area where they need God's help and forgiveness. Tell your child about your own experiences of forgiving and being forgiven
When your child comes to you for forgiveness take them seriously. Take time to talk, listen and show them that your love has not changed, reminding them of the loving presence of God who forgives, just as you do. This is a good time to help your child to become aware of their wrong-doing, accepting their difficulties and thus accepting themselves. Draw attention to the future, show your child you are confident that they can do better and that you will be there to help. Take time to enjoy the peace of reconciling by doing something together or sharing something.
When it is your child’s time to forgive someone help them to do so wholeheartedly. Help your child to discover ways to bring about reconciliation through words or action. Give your child a chance to experience the pure joy that comes to us when we try to forgive one another as God forgives us.