Sacraments of Healing

There are two Sacraments of healing: •Penance and Reconciliation (also known as Confession) •Anointing of the Sick

What Happens in the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation?

Four things must happen when we receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation:

1. We must truly feel sorry for our sins.

2. We must confess our sins to a priest.

3. We must be willing to make amends from harm made when we sinned.

4. We must receive absolution and forgiveness from the priest.

What are the Steps to Reconciliation?

The Sacrament of Reconciliation includes the following steps:

1. Examination of Conscience

2. Confession of sins

3. Receive Penance

4. Pray the Act of Contrition

5. Receive Absolution

Examination of Conscience

•Before you go to confession, you should take time to think about ways you have hurt your relationship with God. Have you sinned?•Think about the Ten Commandments and ask yourself if you have broken any of these. •Visit the following link to see some questions that might help you

http://catholicparents.org/oxcart/examinationchild.html

What Happens During Confession?

When it is time for Reconciliation you will:

1. Enter the confessional and kneel or sit

2. Bless yourself with the Sign of the Cross and say, “Bless me, Father for I have sinned.” State how long has it been since your last confession.

3. The priest may read a passage from the Bible.

4. The priest will ask you to confess your sins.

What Happens During Confession?

5. The priest will give you your penance (usually prayers or actions you must do).

6. The priest will invite you to pray the Act of Contrition.

7. The priest says a prayer, and in the name of Jesus, absolves your sins.

8. Thank the priest and leave the confessional.

9. Do your penance as soon as you can.

Act of Contrition

My God, I am sorry for my sins with all my heart.

In choosing to wrong and failing to do good,

I have sinned against you whom I should love above all things.

I firmly intend, with your help, to do penance, to sin no more, and to avoid whatever leads me to sin.

Our Savior Jesus Christ suffered and died for us.

In his name, my God have mercy.

Amen

Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick

The Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick is a Sacrament for those ill or in need of healing.

This Sacrament is often administered to people who are in danger of death, to people who come down with a new illness, or people whose illness worsens.

What Happens in the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick?

A priest or bishop administers this sacrament.

In the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick, the priest anoints the seriously ill, injured, or the elderly with the oil of the sick. The oil of the sick is a special oil used for the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick. It is blessed by the bishop at the Chrism Mass during Holy Week.

What Graces do we Receive from this Sacrament?

This Sacrament gives five special graces to those who receive it.

1. It unites their suffering with those of Christ.

2. It brings them strength, peace, and courage in the face of suffering.

3. It brings forgiveness of their sins.

4. It heals their soul and ensures eternal salvation.

5. It prepares them for death if that will best ensure their eternal salvation.