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Catholicism - An Introduction:  Confession

by Peter Stanford

Confession is one of the seven sacraments of Catholicism. It is also known as penance, the sacrament of conversion, or more commonly by its modern name, reconciliation. It affords Catholics an opportunity to confess their sins to a priest and receive absolution. Sins can be either ‘mortal’ – the more serious – or ‘venial’ – the everyday. Confession of venial sins is recommended but not obligatory. Confession of mortal sins is required of Catholics in order to prepare them to receive the Eucharist.

Catholicism teaches that only God has the power to forgive sins, but the priest acts in his place. Penitents may be asked to say a penance – usually made up of several prayers – and/or occasionally to undertake works for the poor and needy. The priest can refuse absolution and is required to do so if he does not believe that there is true contrition.

There are different permitted formats for the sacrament. Traditionally it has taken place in a confessional box, with the priest and penitent separated by a grille and curtain, going through a set series of prayers and responses. In more recent times there has been a move to more informal, face-to-face conversations, or even services of ‘general absolution’. The Catholic Church regards anything said during the sacrament of reconciliation as private. The phrase ‘the seal of the confessional’ expresses the belief that what is said during the sacrament cannot be repeated elsewhere. Even if a murderer has confessed, the priest cannot reveal his identity to the authorities.
 



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