YOUCAT*: God alone can forgive sins. Jesus could say “Your sins are forgiven” (Mk 2:5) only because he is the Son of God. And priests can forgive sins in Jesus’ place only because Jesus has given them that authority. [1441-1442]
We’ve just entered the Advent season, a time of joyous anticipation, but also a time of penance and preparation for the birth of Christ. During the next few weeks, our parishes will offer Advent communal Reconciliation services so be sure to check your parish bulletin for times.
I was talking story with some friends about going to Confession and this question kept coming up: Why do I have to confess to the priest?
The church has always believed that sin, private as it is, is a community affair (1 Cor 12:26). In confession, the priest is the representative of God and the community. “If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.” (Jn 20:23)
*Youth Catechism of the Catholic Church
Lisa Gomes is the director of the Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry