The sacrament of Reconciliation is known by many names including the sacrament of Confession and the sacrament of Penance. No matter the name, the sacrament focuses on our need to be healed spiritually so that we can experience a restored relationship with God and with our brothers and sisters in God's family.

Guide to making a good confession

It is very important that we examine our conscience daily. With total humility, we should open ourselves to be corrected by those close to us. "If we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged" (1 Cor. 11, 31).

This examination should be done in the presence of God, listening to his voice within us. This will be the best way to prepare for confession. Following you will find some very helpful practices.

• Go to a quiet place, preferably before Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. Only God can show us our hearts, how we have responded to His love and give us the grace to change.
• Contemplate the life of Jesus and His love manifested upon the Cross. "They shall look on him whom they pierced" Jn 19:37.
• Ask Yourself: How have I responded to so much love, to so many graces?
• Attitude: Keep in mind that your examination is not just about numbering sins but about discovering the twisted attitudes of the heart and of being able to feel sorrow for your sins which includes a firm proposal to not commit them again. Keep in mind that there are always areas in which we are weaker and require special attention.

Examination of Conscience

It will be helpful for you to determine the areas in which you need to ask for God's forgiveness. A review of the Ten Commandments (God's written desire for the way in which we are to love Him and others) is suggested.

An essential part of the Sacrament of Confession is an Act of Contrition"

Oh my God, I am heartily sorry for having offended you and I detest all my sins because of your just punishment, but most of all because they offend you, my God who are all good and deserving of all my love. I firmly resolve with the help of your grace, to confess my sins, to do penance and to avoid the occasions of sin.

May your confession be the true source of grace which God has intended it to be for you. For this to be possible, it is necessary for you to be open to this grace and for you to make the necessary changes in your life as prompted by the Holy Spirit.