01/09/04

Sebastian S.

Second Grade

On Saturday, February 21, the Second Grade will be making their first Reconciliation. This is a very holy sacrament, which brings us closer to God. The New Advent catholic Encyclopedia describes Reconciliation as “a sacrament of the New Law instituted by Christ in which forgiveness of sins committed after baptism is granted through the priest's absolution to those who with true sorrow confess their sins”

Left to Right: Faith, Andrew, Robert, and Tory.

I talked to some 2^nd Graders about how they feel concerning Reconciliation. First, I asked them what they consider Reconciliation to be. “Reconciliation is confessing your sins to the priest,” says Andrew. Robert tells me that Reconciliation is “What Andrew said, but you probably feel very peaceful afterwards.” Next, I asked them how they feel about making their first Reconciliation. “A little scared,” admit Tory and Faith. Andrew and Robert, however, are not afraid; only a little nervous. When asked if they think that Reconciliation brings them closer to Jesus and God, they responded with a resounding, “Yes”.

Getting Ready for Reconciliation

Contrition: Contrition the “sorrow of the soul and detestation for the sin committed, together with the resolution not to sin again.” To discover your sins, an examination of conscience should be preformed.

Confession: Next, we must confess our sins. Even confessing them to yourself is enough in God’s eyes. However, Reconciliation must be used to right mortal sins.

Penance: If the sin wrongs your neighbor, you must do penance (ex. Return stolen goods, take back insults, pay compensation for injuries).

Act of Contrition: You will have to sat the Act of Contrition during Confession. The Act of Contrition is: “Oh, my God, I am sorry for my sins.  In choosing to do wrong, and failing to do good, I have sinned against you and your church.  I firmly intend, with the help of your son, to make up for my sins and to love as I should. Amen.”