Reconciliation / Penance
Reconciliation
Reconciliation is officially called the Sacrament of Penance. In the past, it was also called Confession. These titles are all aspects of the meaning of the Sacrament.
The Sacrament of Penance is a celebration of God’s love and mercy. It celebrates the call to repentance after a process of conversion of heart.
This includes confessing our sins and receiving the forgiveness of God through the ministry of the Priest. Through this process, a person is reconciled with the Church and continues to live as a disciple of Jesus Christ.
How do we celebrate reconciliation?
There are three forms of the celebration of Penance.
1. Reconciliation for Individual Penitents (Rite I)
This form is celebrated by an individual person in the presence of the Priest. The place where this happens is usually a Reconciliation Room (what used to be called a “Confessional’).
A Bible, a
The Rite begins with a greeting, followed by words of encouragement from the Priest.
After a short reading from Scripture, the person reflects on their circumstances and confesses their Sins and seeks Reconciliation, the Priest offers advice and gives a Penance that is meant to help in starting a new life and to remedy any weakness.
The Priest pronounces absolution and the Rite concludes with a short
2. Reconciliation for Several Penitents with
This form of the Rite begins with a celebration of the Word – readings from Scripture, Hymns, Prayers, a Homily and an examination of conscience, followed by a call to repentance.
Private Confession and Reconciliation follow.
The Rite concludes with a short thanksgiving, a
3. Reconciliation for Several Penitents with general Confession and Absolution (Rite III)
This form of the Rite follows the same pattern as Rite
This form of the Rite is restricted to emergencies and other special circumstances.
When do we celebrate reconciliation?
Individual Reconciliation (Rite I): is usually celebrated at set times during the week in Parishes (often on Saturday afternoon) and may be arranged at other times by appointment.
This Rite is meant to give people the opportunity for personal prayer and individual spiritual direction to enable them to “set their lives on track”!
Communal Reconciliation (Rite II): is usually celebrated in parish communities during Advent and Lent and at other appropriate times during the year.
Who celebrates reconciliation?
Baptised members of the Roman Catholic Church who feel called to be reconciled with God and with the Faith Community can take part in the Sacrament of Penance.
This call to conversion and reconciliation occurs when one considers, judges and changes one’s life, in the light of God’s love revealed in the person of Jesus Christ.
Prayer and participating in the Eucharist are the regular means of asking for forgiveness and being reconciled with God and the community.
However, there are times when the Faithful need the Sacrament of Penance (Reconciliation) in their struggle to be forgiven and forgiving, to discover anew the Gift of God’s saving action in their lives and to be strengthened to continue living as disciples of Jesus.
A resource to help
A brochure called “Individual Reconciliation” is available to help people celebrate the sacrament of penance. The brochure clearly sets out the Rite for the penitent to follow and offers suggestions on how to prepare for the Sacrament.
It is available from The Liturgical Commission:
GPO Box 282
Brisbane 4001
Ph: 07 3336 9444
Fax: 07 3221 1705
E-mail: orders@liturgybrisbane.net.au
Web: Liturgy Brisbane Website
Contacts
The Parish provides regular opportunities for the celebration of Individual Reconciliation (Rite I).
The Sacrament of Reconciliation is held at St. Mary’s Church on Saturdays at 5.45pm and at other times by appointment.
Celebrations of Communal Reconciliation (Rite II) are usually held during Advent and Lent.
Contact the Parish Centre for more information.
Contact the Parish Centre for further information.