The examination of conscience should include both of the following types of sin:

Sin of commission

“What I have done.” A sin of commission is an action, like having an abortion, consenting to sex with someone without being married to them in the church, stealing, lying, being racist, cheating etc. Other examples of sins of commission: 10 Commandments Ex 20, 1-17.

Sin of omission

“What I have failed to do.” The sin of omission is when we fail to do something we should do. Sins of omission are just as much a source of suffering and evil in the world as sins of commission. Examples of sins of omission: missing mass on Sunday without a good reason; failing to evangelize (share our faith); not helping someone who needs our assistance: failing to do our part in the struggle for the right to life, peace and justice. Other sins of omission: the Beatitudes Mt 5, 3-10.

THE SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION:               

Sin is deciding and acting against your conscience

Conversion, replacing our sinful ways of thinking and acting with a life of holiness, is the way to salvation (going to heaven). Catholics are privileged to receive a sanctifying grace in the sacrament of penance by which they receive forgiveness for their sins.  

How often should I go to confession?

Mary the Mother of God says, “What person does not need the grace of confession every month?” Her words remind us that as human beings we are inclined to sin. We are spiritually weak and fall to the enticements of temptation. The resulting sin endangers our salvation and offends God who loves us beyond our comprehension. Therefore confession should be a regular part of the spiritual life of a Catholic. It is not just for the big events of life like First Communion, Confirmation, weddings etc. Consider the following spiritual benefits of confession.

What are the spiritual effects of the sacrament of reconciliation?

• Reconciliation with God by which the penitent regains grace
• Reconciliation with the Church
• The remission, at least in part, of the temporal punishment due to sin
• The remission of eternal punishment due to mortal sins
• The peace and serenity that come from knowing your sins are forgiven
• An increase in spiritual strength to live a good Catholic life

Do I have to go to confession before going to communion?

We do not have to be perfect to go to communion. No human being is perfect, not even the greatest saints. The sanction grace of the Eucharist is essential for our becoming another Christ in the world. For this reason, we can — and should go to communion at mass (unless we are in a state of mortal sin, such as murder, abortion, or consciously rejecting God from our life. In the case of mortal sin we should always go to confession before going to communion). Receiving the sanctifying grace of the Body and Blood of Christ in communion is the principal reason for going to mass (the other main reasons are listening to the Word of God and joining your Catholic community of faith in thanking and praising God for the gift of salvation).

Act of Contrition

Oh my God, I am sincerely sorry for having offended you and I detest all my sins because of your just punishments. 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 sin no more and to live according to your will. Amen.