SACRAMENT
OF CONFESSION
01.
OVERVIEW OF THE
SACRAMENT
One of the seven sacraments of
the Catholic Church
Focuses on forgiveness, healing,
and reconciliation
Restores friendship with God and
the Church
02.
MEANING AND PURPOSE OF THE
SACRAMENT
Forgives sins committed after
Baptism
Restores relationship with God and
the Church
Calls the sinner to conversion and
renewal
A sacrament of mercy and
healing
BIBLICAL FOUNDATION 03.
Jesus forgave sins during His
ministry
Authority to forgive sins given
to the Apostles
“Whose sins you forgive are
forgiven” (John 20:22–23)
Church continues Christ’s
mission (CCC 1441)
04.
WHY WE NEED
CONFESSION
Sin weakens friendship
with God
Brings peace of
conscience and healing
Forms humility and moral
responsibility (CCC 1455,
1458)
05.
OTHER NAMES OF THE
SACRAMENT
Sacrament of Conversion – turning back
to God
Sacrament of Penance – acts of
repentance
Sacrament of Confession – admission
of sins
Sacrament of Reconciliation –
restoration of communion (CCC 1423–
1424)
06.
MINISTER OF THE
SACRAMENT
A validly ordained priest or bishop
-Acts in the person of Christ (in persona Christi)
-Bound by the seal of confession (CCC 1461–1467)
07.
ROLE OF THE PRIEST
Listen with compassion
-Gives guidance and counsel
-Grant absolution in God's name
(CCC 1465-1466)
08.
MATTER OF THE
SACRAMENT
Consists of the acts of the
penitent
–Contrition – sorrow for sins
–Confession – admission of
sins
–Satisfaction – penance and
repair (CCC 1450–1460)
09.
FORM OF THE
SACRAMENT
Prayer of absolution spoken by the priest
–Forgiveness given in the name of the Trinity
–Essential words express reconciliation (CCC 1449)
10.
SYMBOLS AND
SIGNS
Words of absolution
–Sign of the Cross
–Confessional as place of mercy
(CCC 1441–1442)
11.
EFFECTS OF THE
SACRAMENT
•Forgiveness of sins
–Reconciliation with God and the
Church
–Restoration of grace
–Peace of conscience and spiritual
strength (CCC 1468–1470)
12.
KINDS OF SIN
Mortal sin – grave offense
separating us from God
Venial sin – weakens
relationship with God
–Both are healed through
repentance
STEPS IN GOING TO CONFESSION
13.
[Link] (Examination of Conscience): Reflect on your sins since your last
confession, using the Ten Commandments or other guides to help
[Link] the Confessional: Choose to go behind the screen (anonymous) or face-to-
face, and make the Sign of the Cross.
3. Opening: The priest may greet you. Say, "Bless me, Father, for I have sinned. It has
been [length of time] since my last confession".
[Link]: State your sins clearly and concisely to the priest. All mortal sins must be
confessed, though it is encouraged to mention venial sins as well.
[Link] of Contrition: Pray the Act of Contrition (a prayer expressing sorrow for sins)
when prompted by the priest.
[Link]: The priest extends his hand and says the prayer of absolution, to which
you respond, "Amen".
[Link]: The priest will dismiss you (e.g., "Go in peace").
[Link] Penance: Return to a pew to pray and complete the assigned penance.
14.
IMPORTANCE IN
CHRISTIAN LIFE
[Link] holiness and humility
[Link] moral discipline
[Link] spiritual growth
15.
CONCLUSION
Confession is a gift of God’s
mercy
Restores broken relationships
Invites continuous conversion