Reconciliation 

Sacrament of Reconciliation

The Sacrament of Reconciliation is a beautiful gift from Jesus where we can turn away from sin (things we have done wrong) and back to God our loving Father.

If we are truly sorry for things we have done wrong, God will always forgive us and welcome us back to His loving arms.

Pupils in Year 3 or above may have made their First Sacrament of Reconciliation (sometimes called Confession). The articles below will help you remember what to do and think about during this Sacrament.

Before we go to the priest we must take some time to think about all the times we have become distant from God. Times we have made the wrong choices.

Here are some questions to help us think about those times.

• Have you been unkind to anyone in school or at home?
• Have you said things which are not true?
• Have you always listened to your parents?
• Have you always listened to your teachers and other adults in school?
• Have you been selfish at any time?
• Have you thought bad thoughts about another person?
• Have you remembered to say your prayers?
• Have you been to Mass regularly?                                                                              

When you go to confession you will be speaking to a priest. The priest represents God. God loves us very much and wants us to be happy. He knows that sometimes we make mistakes but, if we are truly sorry, we can be forgiven. 

Sacrament of Reconciliation

Start by saying the sign of the cross with the priest.

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Then say:-

Bless me father, for I have sinned. It has been_____ weeks/ months / years, since my last confession.

Tell the priest all the things you are sorry for doing wrong.

The priest will talk to you about being sorry and making up for what you have done.

Now we say sorry to God by saying a special prayer called the Act of Contrition.

O my God, because you are so good.

I am very sorry that I have sinned against you,

And by the help of your Grace,

I will not sin again. Amen.

The priest might ask you to say some prayers once you have left confession, this is called penance. Say these quietly after you have left.

The priest will now give you a special blessing called ABSOLUTION which means God has forgiven you and loves you very much.