Reconciliation

1. Reconciliation “If we do not learn how it is possible to act well even under the most trying of circumstances, we will increasingly doubt our ability to act well even under less trying ones.” --Pierre Sauvage • Stories of Forgiveness and Reconciliation Imaculee’s forgiveness of perp.-Rwanda; Pope John Paul II Journey Towards Forgiveness Video --Bud Welch --Lawrence Hart --John Perkins Snyder family Tanner CiprianoDCC student Shepards—father’s statement @ trial of Matthew’s killer

2. Sacraments of Healing--Reconciliation • A. Stories of Reconciliation • (Journey Towards Forgiveness) Video + • -Sharing of stories • -victimized—hurt/pain/suffering • -feelings of anger/hatred toward those who caused harm; desire for revenge • -recognition that this is a burden, not an answer—continues the cycle • -CHOOSE to rise above—let go, end the cycle of pain/suffering/hate • WORK FOR HEALING

3. Sacraments of HealingSacrament of Reconciliation • B. Topic 1: SIN • Mortal (3 Conditions: grave matter, full knowledge, complete consent) • Venial (sin that falls short of one or more of the above conditions) *can still be serious! • (1853) thought, word, deed, omission • (1868) Sins we cooperate in • Confetior=communal prayer at Mass during the Introductory Rites when the community admits sin

4. Sacraments of Healing--Reconciliation C. TERMS 1. Reconciliation—literally means “a coming back together”—repairing/re-establishing a relationship that has been damaged/broken PROCESS

5. Reconciliation 2. Conversion a change from one belief/practice to another -not just a change in externals—but an inner transformation –attitudes “metanoia”=a change of heart Baptism/Confirmation/Eucharist—conversion experience ONGOING because of human frailty, sinfulness—need for “second conversion” (catechism 1428-1429)

6. 3. Confession • -acknowledgment, disclosure, declaration of guilt, admit fault • --(catechism 1448) acknowledgement and praise of the holiness of God and of God’s mercy towards sinful people • (mercy=kind and compassionate treatment of an offender; a disposition to be kind and forgiving; relief, alleviation of distress)

7. 4. Penance • -demonstrating contrition for sin; a feeling of sorrow for wrongdoing prompting one to a firm purpose of amendment • -show repentance by taking on an act of recompense; act of making amends for damage/loss

8. 5. Contrition • “broken in spirit” • Sincere remorse for wrongdoing • True repentance for sin—with sincere desire to amend • To be contrite=to be humbled by the guilt of causing hurt/pain/suffering • (repentance—feeling remorse/anguish/bitter resent for something one has done or failed to do)

9. 6. forgiveness • To excuse for a fault or offense • To renounce anger or resentment against • (Pardon—to release from punishment, exempt from penalty)

10. 7. Absolution • -formal remission of sin • To pronounce one as clear of blame or guilt • HEALING act of setting right, restore to rightful state, to become whole and sound

11. D. Sacraments of Healing-Reconciliation • 1. names—Sacrament of Reconciliation; Sacrament of Penance; Sacrament of Confession; Sacrament of Forgiveness; Sacrament of Conversion (Catechism—Catechism 1423-1424) • 2. PURPOSE Through sacraments of initiation, people celebrate new life in Christ. This new life is weakened by human sinfulness. Just as Jesus forgave sins and healed people in his public ministry—so too the Church. PROMOTE HEALING AND SALVATION.

12. Sacrament of Reconciliation • “Five Conditions that comprise the Sacrament” • -Examination of Conscience • Own questions to prompt honest assessment of the way in which we live our lives, times in which we’ve fallen short of the ideal—to live as Christ (times in which we SIN)

13. Sacrament of Reconciliation • “Five Conditions that comprise the Sacrament” • Contrition -- “heartfelt sorrow and aversion for the sin(s) committed with the intention of sinning no more” • Act of Contrition—specially worded formula/prayer offered to assist the penitent

14. Sacrament of Reconciliation • “Five Conditions that comprise the Sacrament” • Confession an external sign of inner sorrow • Forces an honesty, an openness • *an integral part of the HEALING PROCESS

15. Sacrament of Reconciliation • “Five Conditions that comprise the Sacrament” • Act of Penance (satisfaction) • Prayer and good works to help heal/make whole • -”a remedy for sin helping to renew life”

16. Sacrament of Reconciliation • “Five Conditions that comprise the Sacrament” • Absolution sign of God granting forgiveness, renewing relationship weakened/damaged/destroyed by sin • Form/Matter of Sacrament • “I absolve you of your sins in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” • Imposition of Hands, Sign of the Cross

17. Sacrament of Reconciliation • Approved RITES of reconciliation in today’s Church • -Rite of Reconciliation for Individual Penitents • -Rite of Reconciliation of Several Penitents with Individual Confession and Absolution • -Rite of Reconciliation of Several Penitents with General Confession and general Absolution

18. Sacrament of Reconciliation • WHO: (Catechism 1495) Only priests who have received the faculty of absolving from the authority of the Church can forgive sins in the name of Christ. (“Seal of Confession” adhered to) • -Practicing Catholics are encouraged to celebrate the sacrament of Reconciliation as a way to put us in touch with Christ and assist us in becoming better disciples

19. Sacrament of Reconciliation • WHEN: Church requires confession by number and kind all mortal sins committed. Church encourages confession of venial sins regularly. The Sacrament should be celebrated by practicing catholics at least once per year—seasons of Advent and (especially) Lent are most appropriate times • --by appointment; as scheduled by parish

20. Sacrament of Reconciliation • WHERE: “Reconciliation Rooms • “Confessionals” • Face to face; Privacy screens