An important part of life of a Catholic Faithful are Sacraments. Sacrament of Eucharist and Sacrament of Reconciliation (a.k.a.: Confession). One must be in the Sate of Grace (i.e., without a mortal sin), in order to receive Eucharist and other sacraments. Valid Confession is where a Catholic becomes free from mortal sin.
WHAT IS CONFESSION?
Confession is a sacrament instituted by Jesus Christ to offer sinners forgiveness for offenses against God and against others. Confession brings reconciliation between God and you, between you and others, and brings peace to you.
WHAT ARE THE CONDITIONS IN ORDER FOR THE CONFESSION TO BE VALID?
- Examination of Conscience-recall ALL your sin that you can remember. (CLICK HERE to do Examination of Conscience)
- Sorrow for having offended God-be remorseful, be sorry for offending God.
- A resolution of sinning no more-make best effort not to commit the sin again.
- Confession of our sins-confess ALL sins that you remember. It is very important not to withhold any sin on your conscious, otherwise the Confession will not be valid (will NOT count).
- Satisfaction or penance-After confessing your sins, priest will ask you to do a penance. You MUST do it!
How to do the Confession?
RED=what you do
BLUE=what you say
Step 1: Enter the confessional or approach a priest
Step 2: Make a sign of the Cross as you say: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit
Step 3: Bless me, Father, for I have sinned. My last confession was (here you say how long ago was it that you went to the Confession, i.e.: weeks, months, or years) ago.
Step 4: Confess ALL your sins that you recalled and remembered during Examination of Conscience.
Step 5: After you finish confessing your sins, you say: This is all I can remember. I am sorry for these and all my sins.
Step 6: Priest will assign you a Penance, he might give you some advice or recommendation, then…
Step 7: You say Act of Contrition:
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 Savior Jesus Christ
suffered and died for us.
In his name, my God, have mercy.
Step 8: Priest will give you ABSOLUTION
Step 9: Make a sign of the Cross and say: AMEN
Step 10: YOU are DONE! You can go…
Step 11: Complete assigned Penance
Please Watch the video below to learn
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