Reconciliatio et PaenitentiaPope John Paul II - Post-Synodal Exhortation - On Reconciliation and Penance in the Mission of the Church Today - 2 December 1984
River of MercyA pastoral letter by Archbishop Charles Chaput of Denver on conscience, reconciliation and the Great Jubilee. (2 December 1998)
Year of ReconciliationPastoral Letter of Bishop Donald W Wuerl (from Lay Witness, April 1999)
Multimedia
Confession: Sinners WelcomeCatholic Answers Live interview with Prof Marcellino D'Ambrosio, professor of theology (requires RealPlayer - save file to your hard drive)
Forgiveness of SinsCatholic Answers Live interview with Karl Keating, founder of Catholic Answers (requires RealPlayer - save file to your hard drive)
Pardon, Peace and ReconciliationCatholic Answers Live interview with Cardinal Anthony Bevilacqua of Philadelphia (requires RealPlayer - save file to your hard drive)
Want Peace? Try ConfessionCatholic Answers Live interview with Mary Ann Budnik (Catholic journalist) (requires RealPlayer - save file to your hard drive)
"... And by appointment"by Joseph Wilson. Time in the Confessional enriches priest, penitent and parish. (from Homiletic & Pastoral Review, February 1997)
A Good ConfessionCompiled by California Youth Grateful to the Pope this file provides an examination of conscience, some suggestions for forming a purpose of amendment and an 'Act of Contrition.'
Examen of Conscienceby Fr John Hardon SJ (from Catholic Faith, November/December 1996)
Examination of ConscienceFr. John Hardon SJ leads us through an examination of conscience on the three theological virtues of faith, hope and charity.
Examination of ConscienceOne of the best ways to prepare for Confession is to examine one's conscience properly. Using an examination of conscience such as this to prompt your reflection can be very helpful. (Note: This examination is for adults, not children.)
Examinations of Conscience for Adultsby Catherine Fournier An explanation of the purpose of an examination of conscience, and a collection of differently focused and organised examinations.
Excommunicationfrom Fr. John Hardon's 'Modern Catholic Dictionary
How to Make a Good Confession(from the Catechism of Pope St Pius X) Wise counsel from a Saintly Pope. While it refers to the Rite of Penance that applied prior to the liturgical reforms instituted by Pope Paul VI, there is still plenty of worthwhile advice contained in it.
In Confidenceby Timothy Mockaitis. An article about the shocking case of a prisoner's confession being taped in the State of Oregon (from The Priest, August 1998)
Sacrament of PenanceFr. William Most discusses the scriptural basis for the sacrament of Penance and also provides a short examination of conscience.
Sacrament of Penanceby Paul McLachlan. A brief explanation of the Sacrament of Penance: what is required, what is received.
Sacrament of Penance in the Early ChurchFr. William G. Most's citations, notes and comments on the earliest texts which provide evidence for the Sacrament of Penance.
Second Look at Penance Servicesby Joseph Hughes. A critique of parish penance services and the negative impact they may have on the proper use of the Sacrament of Penance (from The Priest, February 1997)
Unforgiveness is the CauseFr. Al Lauer writes on the necessity of forgiveness. He believes 'over 90 percent of all problems are rooted in unforgiveness.'
Winter Coatsby Catherine Fournier. A story of the joy and satisfaction we gain while teaching our children about the sacraments - especially Confession.
Confession