ANSWER: Being conscious of sin in our lives and the forgiveness offered by Jesus provide the best reason. Clearly, in the New Testament Jesus forgave sins. That ministry of Jesus is continued in and through the church.

The availability of this sacrament only provides part of the answer. An additional and important aspect is “being conscious of sin in our lives.” It seems that some people are oblivious to sin in themselves. How frequently we hear people talk about “confession” and say, “What would I tell the priest?” If one is unaware of the sinfulness of one’s words and deeds, then the sacrament of reconciliation would appear to be irrelevant.

For those who frequently examine their conscience and reflect on their actions, an awareness of sin prompts them to utilize this sacrament to seek forgiveness.

Additional elements of the sacrament of reconciliation are “sorrow for sin” and “a firm purpose of amendment.” Far from being mere terms, these aspects are important in our spiritual lives and in our view of the importance of “confession.”

When we are aware that we commit sin several things apply. Committing sin implies that I acknowledge moral norms that apply to my life. Sin is what happens when I knowingly “cross the line” and do something that I know is wrong by some standard (usually one set by God). When I commit sin, there is an expectation that if I know it is wrong I will try not to do it again.

These aspects are critically important if one is to find value in the sacrament of reconciliation. This sacrament can re-create in our lives the experience of many in the New Testament who felt the power of the forgiveness of Christ.

Apart from the central factor of forgiveness of sin (presuming sorrow and firm purpose of amendment), there are additional aspects that make this sacrament an important part of our spiritual lives. 

When do we take stock of our spiritual lives? When do we seriously consider what we have been doing and whether or not it is productive for growth toward Christ and eternal life? The serious preparation for “confession” provides that opportunity. It is a unique moment in our lives when we stop and assess where we are heading.

  A study completed by The Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate at Georgetown University found interesting data on this sacrament. In a report published in 2008, the study found that 45 percent of Catholics “never” participate in the sacrament of reconciliation. An additional 30 percent report that they do so “less than once a year.” 

Apart from the odd chance that there are that many sinless Catholics, those percentages are troubling for a number of reasons. What do they say about our handing on the faith to new generations? What do they say about our sense of sin? And most sadly, what do they say about our ignorance of the loving forgiveness of Christ available to us in this great sacrament?