Reconciliation
This page gives a brief introduction to the celebration of the Sacrament of Reconciliation (also known as Confession) at St Mary’s Church, and answers the following questions:
What is the Sacrament of Reconciliation about?
"The ministry of reconciliation is the ministry by which those who are truly sorry for their sins, and have made free confession of them to God in the presence of the minister, with intention to amend their lives, receive through him the forgiveness of God."
(The Revised Catechism of the Church of England)
Through confession we acknowledge our sins before God and receive the grace of forgiveness. Even through confessing our everyday faults the sacrament helps us form our conscience, fight against evil tendencies, and let ourselves be healed by Christ, and progress in the life of the Spirit. Through receiving the gift of the Father’s mercy, we’re also encouraged to be merciful in our own lives. Acknowledging our faults, and those things which distance us from God is about letting go of those things which prevent us from being who we truly are. It’s about becoming fully alive by embracing God’s call to us to deepen our relationship with him. So, when we say sorry to God, we self-examine ourselves and honestly assess our live. And through that process, we accept God’s invitation for conversion, for inner change. It’s also about discovering anew our need of God and rediscovering our share in his life.
When should we celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation?
There’s an Anglican saying, ‘All may, none must, some should’. There is no compulsion in the Church of England to make use of the Sacrament of Reconciliation, but many people make their confession several times a year. If you would like to make use of the Sacrament, a particularly appropriate time is the seasons of Lent and Advent, in preparation for Easter and Christmas.
How is it celebrated?
The celebration normally involves the penitent coming to church at either an advertised time, or by appointment. After the penitent has prepare for confession by examining his/her conscience, the penitent comes to the place where confessions are heard (normally at the High Altar). The priest will greet the penitent, and then the penitent makes a confession of sins. This should include all the serious sins of which the penitent is aware. The priest will then give some kind of advice and will then give a penance (normally a prayer or a Bible reading on which to reflect). The priest will then say the prayer of absolution, through which the penitent’s sins are forgiven.
If you are unfamiliar with the Sacrament or have not celebrated it for many years and would like some help, please do not hesitate to ask the priest, who will guide you through the Sacrament.
How should I prepare?
Think carefully and honestly about yourself, admitting to yourself all your sins, great and small. Write your sins on paper so you won’t forget them or try to hide them (but destroy the list after your confession). First write down the sins that come immediately to your mind. Then think through what you may have forgotten or avoid thinking about (you may find the Ten Commandment a helpful guide as you think through your sins).
Don’t just say vaguely: ‘I’ve been bad’ – say how you have been bad. Don’t accuse yourself of things you haven’t done; and don’t name or blame other people. It’s your sins you’re bothered about!
How confidential is it?
The priest is not allowed to disclose anything the penitent has confessed under any circumstances, or use the information gained in any way. This is one of the most serious obligations of a priest, even if someone confesses a serious crime. However, the priest may in such a case insist that the penitent agree to confessing the crime to the appropriate authorities before giving absolution.
Some brief reading for reflection
If we say we have not sin, we deceive ourselves and there is no truth in us. But if we confess our sins to God… He will forgive us our sins and make us clean from all our wrongdoing. If we say we have not sinned, we make a liar out of God… see 1 John 1.8-10
‘As my Father has sent me, I am sending you’. And he breathed on them and said, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive anyone their sins, they are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.’ See John 20.21-23
"I commend to you what is called ‘Going to Confession’ or ‘Sacramental Confession’, the method whereby you confess your sins audibly in the presence of the priest, and receive from him audibly Christ’s absolution. The Church of England offers this way of Confession and Absolution to those who voluntarily use it. It is a method thorough, painful, decisive, full of comfort… because self has suffered a defeat."
Michael Ramsey (d. 1988), 100th Archbishop of Canterbury, 1961-1974
This page gives a brief introduction to the celebration of the Sacrament of Reconciliation (also known as Confession) at St Mary’s Church, and answers the following questions:
- What is the Sacrament of Reconciliation about?
- When should we celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation?
- How should I prepare?
- How is it celebrated?
- How confidential is it?
What is the Sacrament of Reconciliation about?
"The ministry of reconciliation is the ministry by which those who are truly sorry for their sins, and have made free confession of them to God in the presence of the minister, with intention to amend their lives, receive through him the forgiveness of God."
(The Revised Catechism of the Church of England)
Through confession we acknowledge our sins before God and receive the grace of forgiveness. Even through confessing our everyday faults the sacrament helps us form our conscience, fight against evil tendencies, and let ourselves be healed by Christ, and progress in the life of the Spirit. Through receiving the gift of the Father’s mercy, we’re also encouraged to be merciful in our own lives. Acknowledging our faults, and those things which distance us from God is about letting go of those things which prevent us from being who we truly are. It’s about becoming fully alive by embracing God’s call to us to deepen our relationship with him. So, when we say sorry to God, we self-examine ourselves and honestly assess our live. And through that process, we accept God’s invitation for conversion, for inner change. It’s also about discovering anew our need of God and rediscovering our share in his life.
When should we celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation?
There’s an Anglican saying, ‘All may, none must, some should’. There is no compulsion in the Church of England to make use of the Sacrament of Reconciliation, but many people make their confession several times a year. If you would like to make use of the Sacrament, a particularly appropriate time is the seasons of Lent and Advent, in preparation for Easter and Christmas.
How is it celebrated?
The celebration normally involves the penitent coming to church at either an advertised time, or by appointment. After the penitent has prepare for confession by examining his/her conscience, the penitent comes to the place where confessions are heard (normally at the High Altar). The priest will greet the penitent, and then the penitent makes a confession of sins. This should include all the serious sins of which the penitent is aware. The priest will then give some kind of advice and will then give a penance (normally a prayer or a Bible reading on which to reflect). The priest will then say the prayer of absolution, through which the penitent’s sins are forgiven.
If you are unfamiliar with the Sacrament or have not celebrated it for many years and would like some help, please do not hesitate to ask the priest, who will guide you through the Sacrament.
How should I prepare?
Think carefully and honestly about yourself, admitting to yourself all your sins, great and small. Write your sins on paper so you won’t forget them or try to hide them (but destroy the list after your confession). First write down the sins that come immediately to your mind. Then think through what you may have forgotten or avoid thinking about (you may find the Ten Commandment a helpful guide as you think through your sins).
Don’t just say vaguely: ‘I’ve been bad’ – say how you have been bad. Don’t accuse yourself of things you haven’t done; and don’t name or blame other people. It’s your sins you’re bothered about!
How confidential is it?
The priest is not allowed to disclose anything the penitent has confessed under any circumstances, or use the information gained in any way. This is one of the most serious obligations of a priest, even if someone confesses a serious crime. However, the priest may in such a case insist that the penitent agree to confessing the crime to the appropriate authorities before giving absolution.
Some brief reading for reflection
If we say we have not sin, we deceive ourselves and there is no truth in us. But if we confess our sins to God… He will forgive us our sins and make us clean from all our wrongdoing. If we say we have not sinned, we make a liar out of God… see 1 John 1.8-10
‘As my Father has sent me, I am sending you’. And he breathed on them and said, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive anyone their sins, they are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.’ See John 20.21-23
"I commend to you what is called ‘Going to Confession’ or ‘Sacramental Confession’, the method whereby you confess your sins audibly in the presence of the priest, and receive from him audibly Christ’s absolution. The Church of England offers this way of Confession and Absolution to those who voluntarily use it. It is a method thorough, painful, decisive, full of comfort… because self has suffered a defeat."
Michael Ramsey (d. 1988), 100th Archbishop of Canterbury, 1961-1974