Confession: The Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation

By Michael C. Hasychak

This book will focus on the importance and significance of the healing Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation. In this book we will also discuss what the Catholic Church teaches us about this sacrament, where it is rooted in sacred scripture, how to do an examination of conscience, mitigating sin and cover the process of confession with a Priest.

Michael C Hasychak retired after working over forty years in business. He holds a certificate in Catholic Theology from John Paul the Great Catholic University, a Juris Doctor from Cleveland Marshall College of Law, an MBA from Central Michigan University, and a BBA from Ohio University. He resides in Aurora, Ohio, with his wife, Ellen. They have three adult children and four grandchildren.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Mar 1, 2023
• ISBN: 9781447839675

Book preview

Introduction

Over the years most of us have become desensitized to sin. The evidence is very compelling. Most confession lines are fairly short despite almost everyone getting up to receive Holy Communion at Sunday Mass. When I was younger that simply was not the case. I remember back in the sixties standing in long lines for confession and stepping around people in the pews to get in line to receive Holy Communion at Mass. Most people did not receive Holy Communion if they felt that they were not in the state of grace and had not gone to confession to receive absolution for their sins. I don’t think it’s that people are sinning any less these days. As a matter of fact, I would argue the opposite.

We have seen God minimalized in schools, government, the workplace and on social media platforms. What was considered sin 50 years ago in many cases, people would scoff at today. We have become enamored with social media devices, sports and entertainment. It’s not unusual these days for families to skip Mass on a Sunday because the kids have a sports activity scheduled.  Most kids today can’t even recite the ten commandments. I learned that firsthand when questioning my grandchildren. The Catholic Church has innumerable resources which cover the ten commandments and sin including the Catechism of the Catholic Church.

As Pope John Paul ll wrote in his Apostolic Constitution Fidel Depositum; The Catechism of the Catholic Church which I approved June 25th last and the publication of which I today order by virtue of my Apostolic Authority, is a statement of the Church’s faith and of catholic doctrine, attested to or illuminated by Sacred Scripture, the Apostolic Tradition and the Church’s Magisterium. ¹

With all these available resources we need to be involved in the faith formation of our children, grandchildren and loved ones.

This book will focus on the importance and significance of the healing Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation. It will provide you with the necessary tools and essentials to prepare for and embrace this efficacious sign of grace established by Christ.

Chapter 1

Spiritual Hygiene for Our Soul

Have you ever thought about how much time and money you spend per year on personal hygiene? We purchase soaps, shampoos, conditioners, body lotions, toothpastes, shaving accessories, colognes, deodorants, and the list goes on. Most people have a daily morning routine which includes brushing their teeth, bathing, or showering and grooming their hair.  We exercise, take medications, supplements and schedule routine doctor appointments to keep our bodies in good working order.

Imagine deciding one day to limit personal hygiene to only one day out of the entire year. Brushing your teeth, showering, and grooming your hair once a year is not what one would consider practicing sound health care. The ramifications of poor hygiene will eventually lead to health problems.  People tend to care about how others perceive their appearance. It’s also in our best interest to take care of our bodies if we intend to live out a normal full life.

I think we can agree that most of us care about personal hygiene and spend an ample amount of time keeping up with best practices. But what do we do for our souls on a daily basis? Are we as concerned about our spiritual hygiene as we are with our personal hygiene?

How do we maintain our souls in the state of grace and remain in communion with God? After all, our goal should be the salvation of our soul and to spend all eternity in heaven with the Trinity. Whether we live a short life or long life on this earth, it is a brief moment in time compared to all eternity.

The Catholic Church established by Christ possesses the fullness of the means of salvation. The Sacraments which come from the body of Christ provide us with the grace and spiritual strength we need throughout every aspect of our life to attain salvation. In addition to the Sacraments, Jesus through the Gospels teaches us the power of prayer, fasting and almsgiving.

Envision spending as much time on spiritual hygiene for our souls as we do on personal hygiene, and the significance that can have on our