Hey there,
In our examination of the 7 Sacraments, we’ve looked at the Sacrament of Baptism, Confirmation, Communion, and Matrimony.
Today we turn our attention to the Sacrament of Confession, also known as Reconciliation or Penance.
Unlike Baptism, Confirmation, and Matrimony, which are performed once during your life, Confession is a Sacrament we may receive regularly. In fact, we are expected to go to Confession at least once a year.
Interestingly, in the very early times of the Church, Reconciliation was also considered a once-in-a-lifetime Sacrament. But as the Sacrament evolved over the years, its focus changed and it was made more accessible.
In this issue of Genuflect, we look at the Sacrament of Confession, its history of how it evolved over time, how and why we should go regularly, what we need to know about Purgatory, and the opportunity to shorten our time in Purgatory with Indulgences.
The Sacrament of Confession is one of the greatest tools given to us to help us on our path to sainthood. But it’s up to us to take advantage of it.
Keep Believing-
Katy Barrilleaux
Founding Editor, Genuflect
genuflect: sponsor
genuflect: resources
The History of Reconciliation
The Sacrament of Confession has changed over the centuries … and not just what we call it. Early on it was public and only occurred once per life. Penances were a lot more severe. Fr. Scott Detisch provides this brief history of the Sacrament.
A Brief History of The Sacrament of Reconciliation | St. John Neumann Catholic Church
The Sacrament of Confession
Confession is one of the most misunderstood Sacraments, by Catholics and non-Catholics alike. This overview by Scott P. Richert clears things up.
The Sacrament of Confession in The Catholic Church | Learn Religions
Make a Good Confession
Jesus Christ instituted the Sacrament of Reconciliation to offer us forgiveness for our sins against God. It’s not difficult, but it does require some preparation. There are 4 steps … each outlined here.
How to Make a Good Confession | Catholic Diocese of Dallas
5 Reasons to go to Confession
According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church we should all go to Confession at least once a year. If you need more reasons to go, here are 5.
5 Reasons You Should go to Confession | Catholic World Mission
The Truth About Purgatory
When a man dies, he will go to one of three places: Hell, Heaven, or Purgatory. Purgatory is a temporary state during which the soul is cleansed before going to Heaven. Here’s how you can avoid Purgatory … and help those already there.
Greater Than Any Pain of This Life: The Hard Truth About Purgatory | Aleteia
The Gift of Indulgences
Through Confession our sins are forgiven, but we still have a debt to pay to God. We pay that debt in Purgatory … unless we pay it while still on Earth with Indulgences. There are numerous opportunities for Indulgences. Here’s what you need to know.
Grasp The Gift of Indulgences | Our Sunday Visitor
Confession in Other Religions
Did you know that some other religions also have Confession? It’s true, but there is a major difference with the Catholic Sacrament of Confession.
Why Don’t All Religions Have Confession? | Busted Halo
Are Forgotten Sins Forgiven?
What happens if you remember a sin after you’ve been to Confession? Is it still forgiven? It’s not that unusual and here Rev. Francis Hoffman has the answer.
Are Forgotten Sins Forgiven? | Simply Catholic
What if You’re Not Sorry?
Should you Confess a sin if you’re not sorry or if you know you will commit it again? According to Deacon Matthew Newsome … it depends.
Can You Go to Confession if You Are Not Sorry? | Western Catholic University
Going to Confession
During Lent in 2022 Genuflect covered Confession. But while this issue is a broader look at the overall Sacrament of Confession, last year’s issue approached it more at the micro level of what you need to know about going to Confession. Here it is if you’d like to revisit it.
Reconciling With The Lord | Genuflect
genuflect: related
We covered the other Sacraments of the Catholic Church, so you can take a deeper dive into each one:
Receiving Grace From The Sacraments
Shining a Light on Our Baptismal Calling
Driving Graces With The Sacrament of Confirmation
Joining With Christ in The Sacrament of Communion
Celebrating The Sacrament of Matrimony
Studying The Sacrament of Holy Orders
Requesting The Sacrament of The Anointing of The Sick
genuflect: bonus
Inspiration on Your Desktop And Phone
Click below to download this week’s free inspirational Christmas wallpaper for your desktop and your phone. Or download one of the previous wallpapers
Download for Desktop Download for Phone
genuflect: sharing
Please use these buttons to share this issue of Genuflect with your friends, family, and followers who may be interested. Thank you!
