Reconciliation Quiz

Venial Sin:

A lesser sin that damages but does not break our relationship with God.

Mortal Sin:

 A grave sin that completely separates us from God’s grace. Requires sacramental confession for forgiveness.

Social Sin:

 Sins that produce unjust social structures or social effects (e.g., systemic racism, inequality).

Seal of Confession:

 Priests must keep everything confessed to them absolutely secret (Code of Canon Law No. 2490).

Sin of Omission:

 Failing to do what is right (e.g., not helping someone in need).

Sin of Commission:

Direct actions that are sinful (e.g., stealing, lying).

Reconciliation:

Sacrament restoring our relationship with God and community after sin.

Penitent:

The person confessing their sins, showing sorrow, and seeking forgiveness.

Penance/Satisfaction:

 Actions assigned by the priest to help repair the harm caused by sin (prayer, service, restitution).

Absolution

 The priest's prayer granting forgiveness of sins:
"I absolve you from your sins in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen."

Matter

The acts of the penitent (contrition, confession, satisfaction).

Form

"I absolve you from your sins in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen."

Who Can Celebrate It:

Only bishops and priests. (given the authority by Jesus himself, John 20:22–23).

How Often You Can Receive It:

As often as needed!
(Especially required after committing mortal sin.)

Early Church:

• Public confession for serious sins.
  
  

• Enrolled in the "Order of Penitents" with strict penance.
  
  

• Emphasis on public justice.
  
  

7th Century (Ireland):

• Irish monks introduced private confession.
  
  

• Practical because bishops were scarce.

End of the Middle Ages:

• Confession became private and regular.
  

Early 20th Century and Vatican II:

• 
  

  • Most Catholics practiced confession weekly.
    
    
    

  • Emphasized reconciliation over legalistic confession.
    
    

  • Focused on restoring relationships with God and community.

4 dimensions

Memorial, Celebration, Communion, and Transformation

Memorial

1.  Remembering God's forgiveness.
   → Luke 7:36–50 (Jesus forgives the sinful woman).
   
   

Celebration

 Rejoicing in God's mercy.
→ The Lord’s Prayer ("forgive us our trespasses").

Communion

 Restoring unity with God and the Church.
→ Jesus forgives Peter (after his denial).

Transformation

1.  Becoming more Christlike.
   → Jesus breathes on the Apostles (John 20:22–23, giving the Spirit to forgive sins).

Who and What Sin Harms:

God, ourselves, and the community (the Body of Christ).