Reconciliation

What happens when we sin?
When we sin, we don't just break a law, we break our communion, our unity with God. We also break our communion with the church.

When did Reconciliation begin?

Reconciliation began with a practice in Celtic monasteries that spread throughout the church when  annual confession became a requirement by the church (Fourth Lateran Council,1215)

Why do we confess to a priest?

Only God can forgive sin, but Jesus also wanted/said we should confess to someone else so we can acknowlege our sin and be forgiven by them.  “Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained.” (we confess to a priest because they have the power to forgive sins)

 

Why do we need to confess out loud?

By confessing our sins out loud we take responsibility for them, and therefore open ourselves again to God and to the communion of the church.

What is a contrite heart?

A heart that is truly sorry about what you've done (repentant)

Look up definitions for mortal and venial sins?

A serious, grave or mortal sin is the knowing and willful violation of God's law eg; idolatry, adultery, murdere etc.

Venial Sins are slight sins. They don't break our friendship God although venial sins do injure it. Which involves the disobedience of the law God in slight matters eg. gossiping

What does it mean to be 'out of communion?"

out of communion means out of touch or disconnected.

Can a priest tell anyone about your confessed Sin? Explain?

No, because of the sacramental seal. A priest who breaks the seal can be excommunicated from the church and only the Pope can restore the role of that priest.