CATHEDRAL OF MARY OUR QUEEN
presents
 

A Visual Catholic Catechism
 

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Why do we go to Confession?

Question: When we're sorry for a sin, why can't we just go directly to God in prayer to receive his forgiveness?

Answer: "Sin is before all else an offense against God, a rupture of communion with him. At the same time it damages communion with the Church. For this reason conversion entails both God's forgiveness and reconciliation with the Church, which are expressed and accomplished liturgically by the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation" (Catechism para. 1440).

The stone panel on the left depicts the Sacrament of Reconciliation. It shows someone who had been deadened by sin now being restored to God's friendship through a humble confession and absolution administered by the priest.
 

If I'm a basically good person, do I still need to confess my little sins to a priest???

From the Catechism of the Catholic Church, paragraph 1458:

Without being strictly necessary, confession of everyday faults (venial sins) is nevertheless strongly recommended by the Church. Indeed the regular confession of our venial sins helps us form our conscience, fight against evil tendencies, let ourselves be healed by Christ and progress in the life of the Spirit.

Is it the priest or God who forgives our confessed sins?

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  © 2003 Cathedral of Mary Our Queen, Archdiocese of Baltimore