The Sacrament of Penance
(also known as Confession or Reconciliation)

“When a Catholic comes from confession, he does truly, by definition, step out into that dawn of his own beginning… in that brief ritual, God has really remade him in His own image. He may be grey and gouty; but he is only five minutes old”.                                                  
                                                                                     G.K.Chesterton

“Those who approach the sacrament of Penance obtain pardon from God's mercy for the offence committed against him, and are, at the same time, reconciled with the Church which they have wounded by their sins and which by charity, by example, and by prayer, labours for their conversion” (Canon Law 1422).

Coming to Confession
The Sacrament of Penance frees us from sin so that we are restored to the beauty and holiness of our Baptism. While this Sacrament of Mercy and Healing is a real gift to the Christian, it can be daunting, especially if one has not confessed for some time. Keep in mind that when we receive sacramental forgiveness, we experience the peace and joy that comes from having confessed and been freed from our sin. So, it’s worth it !

Priests have long experience in ministering this Sacrament, so don’t feel awkward or embarrassed about confessing. Maybe you haven’t been back to Confession since your First Confession ? Many people come back to Confession after many years’ absence, even decades. If that is you, be assured the Priest won’t be shocked. Just let him know.

Millions of Catholics go to confession regularly. No matter how long we live, this Sacrament is essential in the spiritual life, a fresh start, with new grace. Even canonised saints frequently confessed throughout their lives. Both Saint Mother Teresa of Calcutta and Pope Saint John Paul II went to Confession once a week. Pope Francis has said he confesses at least every two weeks. Many Catholics confess monthly.

The Priest who will celebrate the Sacrament with you is also quite conscious of the fact that he too is a sinner in need of God’s mercy and healing. He will understand if you are nervous or anxious at first and he will guide you from beginning to end. The one going to Confession may choose to celebrate either face to face or anonymously. A Catholic Priest will never reveal anything to anyone about what is confessed, so be assured of complete and lasting confidentiality.

As a minimum, a Catholic is required to go to Confession once a year and also at any time of the year that (s)he has mortal sin on his soul (which means “not in a state of grace”), especially if one desires to receive the Eucharist. Just as we keep our home tidy and clean on a regular basis, so too do we receive the spiritual benefits of more regular confession.