The Six Steps of Reconciliation
- Preparation - When a person reflects on their actions and compares them to the commandments and beatitudes. This step is to ensure the person knows what they will say in Reconciliation. (e.g. I have sinned through lying to my parents which is a direct offence to the forth commandment, therefore, I have to confess that.)
- Confession of Sins - When a sinner takes responsibility for their sins and confesses them to a priest in order to ask Him for forgiveness. (e.g. I have knowingly and deliberately lied to my parents, therefore broke my trust with God.)
- Penance - and/or do penance to make up for their sin (this means doing good unto others and making amends for their unholy behaviors). (e.g. The priest tells you to go home and tell your parents the truth, apologise for lying and resolve not to lie again.)
- Prayer of Petition: The priest invites the sinner to pray for forgiveness (act of contrition). (e.g. Dear Lord, I have gone against your law in order to keep myself from getting into trouble. Please forgive me and help me not to be weak in the future, Amen.)
- Prayer of Absolution - The priest then raises his hand above the sinners head and blesses them with the words "I absolve you of your sins in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit." (or similar words) to which the sinner replies with "Amen"
- Dismissal - the priest dismisses the person and they depart saying "Thanks be to God" and go forth to complete the penance that was assigned to them by the priest. Once the penance has been completed, the person is fully forgiven for the sins. (e.g. I go to my parents and confess the truth. I apologise and tell them I won't do it again.)