Reconciliation

Getting it wrong All of us make choices. Some times those choices are not really big choices. Do I have an or a What would be the results of your choice?

Sometimes those choices are more important ones Sometimes those choices are more important ones. Our choices might effect other people------ for example do I join in the gossip about someone, or do I fight someone, do I do what I should do in class Christians believe that sometimes the choices we make, when we deliberately decide to do the wrong thing, gets in the way of our relationship with God. Doing things on purpose that you know are wrong we call sin. You can also make a choice not to do something – for example not helping someone who really needs help. This would also be wrong. Christians often ask themselves What Would Jesus Do? If you chose, on purpose, to do something Jesus wouldn’t do then this would be breaking your relationship with God

Sin is Deliberately hurting others or yourself by your words and actions . To think say or do something you know is wrong. It can be something you choose not to do or something that spoils or it for others. Sin is anything that breaks our relationship with God or each other

However No matter what you do, Christians believe that God never stops loving you even if you stop loving God. To make things right we need to say sorry and to start again. One of the Sacraments is called ‘The Sacrament of Reconciliation’

The Sacrament of Reconciliation Reconciliation means ‘to bring back together’ It is like a bridge that brings you back to God In this sacrament those receiving it may be sure of the love and mercy of God. The Sacrament of Reconciliation is also called Confession, Penance and Sacrament of Forgiveness

This is what happens: Before someone goes to Reconciliation they think carefully about what we have done wrong or could have done better… This is Called An Examination of Conscience Then they go to talk to a priest to confess what they have done wrong The Priest will then remind the person how much God loves them. He may ask them to do something to make up for what they have done wrong. This is called a Penance Finally the priest (who represents Jesus) says the words of Absolution

Absolution The Priest says : I absolve you from your sins in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. So Absolution means your sins are forgiven This sacrament is a special way for God to give us his love and peace. The person will thank God for his forgiveness, love and promise to do better.