Lent is not just a time of fasting and prayer for Catholics. During Lent, we can take part in one of the greatest Sacraments available to us—Reconciliation.

Reflecting on this idea, most people ponder the same question: “Why is Reconciliation promoted more during the Lenten season than Ordinary Time?” According to Mrs. Debbie Johnson, owning up to one’s sins is meant to give us a particular sense of peace.

“The season of Lent itself is a season of penance, of turning back to God. It all starts with the ashes on our foreheads on Ash Wednesday—representing the dust from which God made us,” said Mrs. Johnson.

Humbling ourselves and admitting our sins is the first step to having a fruitful relationship with Christ. It’s already difficult for Catholics to attend Reconciliation regularly, let alone during Lent. Shamefulness normally plays a big part in these low attendance rates, but priests aren’t there to judge us for our sins. Their role is to provide each and every one of us with the opportunity to receive God’s grace.

Sin and guilt have the power to tear apart the human soul and separate us from God. The beauty of the Sacrament of Penance is that we are able to leave the confessional with an overwhelming sense of peace, knowing that we have received God’s absolute forgiveness.

In the midst of this Lenten season, we are presented with several opportunities to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation. If you haven’t already taken advantage of it this past Wednesday, make sure to set aside some time to receive the Sacrament before Easter!