"Be reconciled to God. He who lives by God’s merciful love is ready to respond to the Lord’s call: ‘Go; first be reconciled to your brother.' " (CCC 1423).
One of the most beautiful and unique aspects of our Catholic faith is the Sacrament of Reconciliation, also known as Confession or Penance. This Sacrament was established by Jesus Christ, in His abundant love and mercy, so that we, as sinners, can obtain forgiveness for our sins and be reconciled with God. The Sacrament of Reconciliation renews us in Christ by washing us clean from our sins.
Each time we experience the Sacrament of Reconciliation, God strengthens our will and our self-control so that we can resist the temptations that confront us in our lives. In addition, Reconciliation can bring us peace. We often lose our joy and peacefulness when we are burdened from the guilt of our sins. When we hear God’s loving and forgiving words, through the lips of the priest during Reconciliation, a burden is lifted from our shoulders. We can then again feel the peace that comes from a close relationship with God.