WHAT IS CONFESSION?
At baptism, a person is transformed into a child of God and made a member of His holy Church, becoming a member of the Body of Christ. From this moment on, every thought, word, and act (or lack thereof) affects the whole Body.
Those thoughts, words, and actions that are good, and holy, and faithful to God's commands help to build up the Church with grace. Like the human body with regard to healthy choices, so too the Body of Christ with regard to holy choices.
On the other hands, those thoughts, words, and actions that are not good bring disunity and sickness to the Body of Christ.
Even those choices known only to God -- since we are all connected as one Body -- affect the entire Body. For this reason, when we sin, it is right and just that we not only seek forgiveness from God but in the presence of the Church.
By returning to the Church and seeking forgiveness after we have sinned, we humble ourselves, we admit our wrongdoings, and we hear the most wonderful words, "I absolve you of your sins."
And forth from that wonderful moment of forgiveness, we then are sent back into the world, recommitting ourselves to love our God and love our neighbor, so to build up the Body of Christ anew.
CONFESSION AT ST. LUKE
Preparation for the Sacrament of Eucharist and Reconciliation is a two- year process, with children registering in first grade and reception of the sacraments at the end of second grade. Students who are older than the traditional second grade and wish to receive the sacraments are placed in sacramental preparation classes for two years, with the reception of the sacrament at Easter time of their second year.
Heavy Burdens from Catholics Come Home on Vimeo.