The Sacrament of Reconciliation

By RTJ's Creative Catechist Staff

As a catechist, you are an important guide in helping children understand the sacraments as well as all the details and symbols that are part of the rituals. In the sacrament of reconciliation the whole experience is about God searching for the lost because he loves each and every one of us and he forgives us.

When you teach about reconciliation, you may want to review the important steps of the Rite of Penance with your class.

1. Reception of the penitent There are two options to receive the sacrament. There may be a screen between you and the priest or you may be sitting face to face in a more conversational setting. The priest greets you and you begin by doing the Sign of the Cross together.

2. Reading from Scripture The priest shares a short reading of God’s word. Older children and adults may choose a Bible passage that speaks to them and discuss it with the priest.

3. Confession of sins You tell the priest any sins or ways you have “missed the mark” in your life and ask for forgiveness. The priest then gives a “penance,” words or actions to be performed after the sacrament.

4. Expression of sorrow You then pray an Act of Contrition. It may be the following prayer or you may use your own words to God that express your sorrow. 

O my God, I am heartily sorry for having offended you, and I detest all my sins because of your just punishments, but most of all because I have offended you, my God, who are all good and deserving of all of my love. I firmly resolve, with the help of your grace, to sin no more, to do penance, and to avoid the near occasions of sin. Amen.

5. Absolution This is the part where you receive forgiveness. You are free from your sins. The priest says the prayer of absolution:

God, the Father of mercies,

through the death and resurrection of his Son

has reconciled the world to himself

and sent the Holy Spirit among us

for the forgiveness of sins;

through the ministry of the Church,

may God give you pardon and peace,

and I absolve you from your sins

in the name of the Father, and of the Son,

and of the Holy Spirit.

6. Praising God You close the Rite of Penance praising God by sharing a greeting of peace.

RTJ's Creative Catechist Staff