The tax collectors and sinners were all gathering around to hear him, at which the Pharisees and the scribes murmured, "This man welcomes sinners and eats with them." Then he addressed this parable to them: " Which among you, if he has a hundred sheep and loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wasteland and follow the one until he finds it? And when he finds it, he puts it on his shoulders in jubilation. Once arrived home, he invites friends and neighbors in and says to them, 'Rejoice with me because I have found my lost sheep.' I tell you, there will likewise be more joy in heaven over one repentant sinner than over ninety-nine righteous people who have no need to repent." ~ Luke 15:1-7

Sins: Venial vs. Mortal, The Seven Deadly Sins and the Seven Virtues

For generations of Catholics the opening words for the sacrament of Reconciliation (Penance), "Bless me, Father, for I have sinned," represented the very essence of Catholic sorrow for sin. Today children are encouraged to understand that sin is a matter of making choices for which they are responsible, and to reconcile with those whom they may have offended.

SINS

• Venial Sins: A venial sin is an act that is not fully consistent with an orientation toward God and Christian morality.
• Mortal Sins: A sin is considered mortal if (1) the act was seriously sinful, (2) the sinner knew it was seriously sinful, but (3) did it willingly with full awareness that it was a rupture with God, the world, and the self.

From: Inside Catholicism: Rituals and Symbols Revealed, by Richard P. McBrien, 1995

Examination of Conscience

From: http://catholicusf.org/examinationofconscience/

Prior to confession, as well as each day in our life, we should compare our lives with the ten commandments. Only through sincere examination can we identify our faults and know what we must confess and where we must strive to live more as Christ would have us live. Consider the following:

EXAMINATION OF CONSCIENCE
When preparing to ask God's forgiveness in the Sacrament of Reconciliation, one must first examine one's conscience. Pray for the help of the Holy Spirit in determining personal sins and areas of unforgiveness in one's life.

I. Listen to God speak through the Scriptures.

God instructs us through the wisdom of the Old Testament, "Do to no one what you yourself dislike. Do not drink to excess or let drunkenness become a habit. Give to the hungry some of your bread, and to the naked some of your clothing. Whatever you have beyond your own needs, distribute in alms; do not give grudgingly.(Tobit 4: 15-16)

Jesus gives us his two great commandments by which to live our lives. "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul and with all your mind. . . Love you neighbor as yourself."(Matthew 22:37-39)

II. Listen to God speak to your conscience.

1. Is my heart set on God? Do I really love God above all else and am I faithful to God's commandments? Do I let things like money, prestige, status or any other personal considerations take precedence over my love and reverence for God?

2. Do I make an effort to grow in my relationship with Jesus Christ? Do I pray daily and read the Scriptures, especially the Gospels, in order to become a more faithful disciple of Jesus? Do I study and attempt to grow in my understanding of my Catholic faith?

3. Do I keep God's day holy by participating actively and consciously in Sunday Liturgy? Do I participate in the Sacrament of Reconciliation and least once a year?

4. Am I always loving and faithful and forgiving in my relationships, especially with family members?

5. Is my life guided by Catholic values? Do I always respect the dignity of others and of God's creation? Do I treat people with love, care, compassion, honesty? Do I respect myself: my body and spirit, as a temple of the Holy Spirit?

6. Do I take seriously my responsibility to care for those less fortunate than I am? Do I practice responsible stewardship of my time, talent and treasure in support of the Church's mission? Do I stand up for justice for the victims of oppression, discrimination and poverty?

7. Do I give witness to my Catholic faith in my workplace and in the community? Are my daily decisions in my work and relationships guided by Catholic moral principles?

8. Do I readily forgive those who offend me, and work for peace in my relationships and in my world?

9. Are there people or situations whom I need to forgive? Are there people from whom I need to ask forgiveness? What are the obstacles that stand in the way of my becoming a more loving and faithful disciple of Jesus?

The Precepts of the Church:

• You shall attend Mass on Sundays and on Holy Days of Obligation and rest from servile labor.
• You shall confess your sins at least once a year.
• You shall receive the Sacrament of the Eucharist at least during the Easter Season.
• You shall observe the days of fasting and abstinence established by the Church.
• You shall help provide for the needs of the Church.

The Two Greatest Commandments:

• You shall love the Lord your God with your whole heart, with your whole soul and with all your mind.
• You shall love your neighbor as yourself.

How to Go To Confession

There is the opportunity for private celebrations of the sacrament every Saturday at 3:00 PM. Communal celebrations are scheduled during Advent and Lent. The Sacrament of Penance may also be made by appointment.

1. PREPARATION: Before going to confession, the penitent compares his or her life with the Ten Commandments, the Beatitudes, and the example of Christ and then prays to God for forgiveness.

2. GOING TO CONFESSION: When you enter the Reconciliation Room, you may kneel before a screen or walk around it to sit face-to-face with the priest. (Since face-to-face confession is new for some, the rest of this will deal with that option. Keep in mind that you don't have to know any spoken formulas or actions, The priest will guide you through it). Normal greetings ("Good afternoon") are fine.

3. THE WORD OF GOD: After the priest welcomes you, both of you make the sign of the cross. Then you may wish to indicate facts about your life, the time of the last confession, difficulties in leading the Christian life, and anything else that may help the priest. After the Sign of the Cross, the priest will say a spontaneous prayer and then read a short passage from Scripture. (If you wish, you can bring along your own choice of a Scripture passage).

4. CONFESSION OF SINS AND THE ACT OF PENANCE: You are then invited to express your sins and place them before God for forgiveness and healing. This is best done in a conversational way, and the priest is part of the conversation. The priest then gives a "penance" which may be a prayer or a good work that will help bring healing.

5. PRAYER OF THE PENITENT: You are invited to express sorrow for your sins - a traditional "Act of Contrition" or one in your own words. Pray a prayer expressing sorrow for your sins and resolving not to sin again. Two suggested prayers are given here:

My God, I am sorry for my sins with all my heart.
In choosing to do wrong and failing to do good, I have sinned against you whom I should love above all things.
I firmly intend, with your help, to do penance, to sin no more, and to avoid whatever leads me to sin.
Our Savior Jesus Christ suffered and died for us. In his name, my God, have mercy.
(Act of Contrition, Rite of Penance, no. 45)

or

Lord Jesus Christ, you are the Lamb of God; you take away the sins of the world.
Through the grace of the Holy Spirit restore me to friendship with your Father, cleanse me from every stain of sin in the blood you shed for me, and raise me to new life
for the glory of your name. (Rite of Penance, no. 91)

6. ABSOLUTION: The priest extends his hands over your head and pronounces the formula of absolution, making the sign of the cross over your head during the final words. You answer, ‘Amen.”(You may remain seated, or kneel.)

7. PROCLAMATION OF PRAISE: Praise the mercy of God and give him thanks in a short invocation taken from Scripture, such as “Rejoice in the Lord and sing for joy, friends of God” (Ps 32:1-7, 10-1 1), “The Lord has remembered his mercy” (Lk 1:46-55), or “Blessed be God who chose us in Christ” (Eph 1:3-10) (Rite of Penance, no. 206).

8. DISMISSAL: The priest dismisses you with the command to go in peace. Continue to express your conversion through a life renewed according to the Gospel and more and more steeped in the love of God. Normal "good-byes" are fine as you leave.

Based on the 2005 Little Black Book for Lent by Diocese of Saginaw www.dioceseofsaginaw.org and How To Go to Confession from http://www.ourcatholicfaith.org/examinationofconscience.html