The Sacrament Of Reconciliation: Worthy Of God’s Love, We Receive God’s Grace

One of the most asked about — yet, perhaps one of the most difficult to explain — concepts in the Catholic faith is the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

In Reconciliation, we tell our sins directly to God, through a priest. Part of the reason we tell a priest is to receive verbal confirmation that the sins are forgiven. As Catholics, we don’t need to assume God has forgiven us. The priest says “your sins are forgiven” and gives a penance, which may be a series of prayers or an act to perform.

Holy Family Area Secretary Nancy Lonneman says Reconciliation is a particularly important and beautiful way to prepare for Easter. While we must make Confession as often as possible, Lent and Advent are both important seasons to seek the sacrament.

“I have found so much love and forgiveness from going to Confession, more than I ever expected,” Nancy says. “I look at life and people, in general, in a whole new perspective. Through the Sacrament of Reconciliation, I find it much easier to love and forgive others.”

Our parishes often hold a penance service, during which there is a series of prayers, time for an examination of conscience, and an opportunity for private Confession with several priests. There is no obligation to go to a priest whom you know; some people prefer seeing a priest they do not know.

Nancy realizes that Reconciliation may be scary or intimidating for many people. She was in that same boat herself, years ago. But in watching a series of videos that helped her learn more, and through prayer, Nancy returned to Confession. It has changed her life, and she wants the same for others, so that we may all approach the Eucharist free from sin.

“The more you go to Confession, the closer you grow to Jesus and the more you become aware of what may be causing your hurts,” Nancy says.

Nancy emphasizes that although we are all sinners, God is there waiting for us to ask for forgiveness. He gives grace freely to us — we just need to ask.

“We are all worthy of God’s love, but it is our responsibility to ask for forgiveness and repent,” she says.

One particular video that Nancy used during her journey back to Reconciliation was Why Confess My Sins to a Priest from Fr. Mike Schmitz, which can be found on YouTube hosted by Ascension Presents. She hopes others will return to this life-changing sacrament.

“God just does not want just a little bit of us — God wants our best,” Nancy says. “Confession provides forgiveness, hope, trust, peace, and love. Despite all our sinfulness, God still loves us.”

If you would like to attend Confession, please refer to the bulletin for Lenten penance service and Reconciliation times.

One video that Nancy Lonneman utilized as part of her formation during her journey back to Reconciliation was “Why Confess My Sins to a Priest” by Fr. Mike Schmitz and Ascension Press. To view the video, go to www.bit.ly/WhyConfess2021