The Sacrament of Reconciliation
Or Penance
A Brief History of Reconciliation
Symbols of Reconciliation
A Pair of Keys
Keys are the most common symbol of reconciliation and originated from Jesus' words to Peter, “I will give you the keys to the kingdom of heaven”
A Stole
A stole is the prmary symbol of reconciliation. It's a long thin strip of cloth which hangs on the priests shoulders and symbolises his authority to run the sacraments
The Cross
The priest makes the sign of the cross over the person recieving reconciliation and recites the final words of the prayer of absolution. A cross is also the symbol of the Catholic church
A Description of Reconciliation
Reconciliation involves confessing your sins to a priest who will give you penance which is kind of like a voluntary punishment so you may be forgiven by the power of jesus. When you are forgiven you will go to heaven instead of hell. You can do the sacrament of reconciliation as much as you like and it is encouraged to be done at least once a year. You recieve reconciliation when you have commited a sin.
Interesting Info
1.Only Jesus can forgive your sins
2.During reconciliation Jesus forgives you through the priest so technically he is doing it
3.There are two types of sin: a venial sin and a mortal sin
4.All people are born with a sin which is removed by baptisim
5.God gives priests powers, one of the powers is the power to forgive our sins with jesus