THE STAGES OF RECONCILIATION
The video below demonstrates a priest and child participating in reconciliation.
1. GREETING
The priest welcomes the person to the Sacrement with words of welcome. Together with the priest, the sign of the Cross is made.
Elements that should be highlighted to students:
Elements that should be highlighted to students:
- the priest's role is to welcome us in a friendly way
- listen to what we have to say
- encourage us to say 'sorry' to Jesus for our sins
- that student can remain unseen by the priest or talk with him face to face
2. READING OF THE WORD OF GOD
A scripture passage is read by the priest as a reminder of God's love and forgiveness and being called to love as Jesus taught.
Elements that should be highlighted to students:
Elements that should be highlighted to students:
- that they will be confessing personal sins in secret
- that the priest will give penance (usually a prayer)
3. CONFESSION OF SINS
The person talks to the priest about the times they have disobeyed Commandments of Jesus or the Ten Commandments in their thoughts, words and actions.
Elements that should be highlighted to students:
Elements that should be highlighted to students:
- students in year 3 should be encouraged to think about 2 or 3 sins that they may commit on a regular basis
- that the seal of confession means that the priest can never repeat what has been told to him in Reconciliation
4. THE PENANCE
After the Confession of sins, the priest gives a 'Penance'. The penance is a sign of wanting to make a new start and a reminder to try not to sin again.
Elements that should be highlighted to students:
Elements that should be highlighted to students:
- the purpose of penance can either be an action (such as a sign of love to parents) or a prayer
5. PRAYER OF SORROW
People show God they are sorry for their sins by asking God's forgiveness. They pray a Prayer of Sorrow.
Elements that should be highlighted to students:
Lord Jesus, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner
or
O my God, I am very sorry that I have sinned against you, because you are so good and with the help of your grace I will not sin again.
Elements that should be highlighted to students:
- prayers of sorrow (the Act of Contrition)
Lord Jesus, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner
or
O my God, I am very sorry that I have sinned against you, because you are so good and with the help of your grace I will not sin again.
6. ABSOLUTION BY THE PRIEST
The words of absolution are the sign by which people know God has forgiven sins and friendship is restored. The priest extends his hands over the person and says the words of absolution: 'I absolve you from your sins, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit'.
Elements that should be highlighted to students:
Elements that should be highlighted to students:
- the priest will forgive sins by saying special words, called 'The Absolution', while giving a special blessing
- the words of The Absolution are:
7. PROCLAMATION OF PRAISE AND DISMISSAL
Having received God's forgiveness, the person thanks and praises God for God's unending love. Then the priest wishes the person God's peace and reminds them to live as they have promised.