The Twelve Steps and the Sacraments

Module 3 of 8

Section 3 - Reconciliation

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PRAY

Lord,
Enable the Holy Spirit to open my heart and mind to receive today’s insights and encouragement so that I may find healing, freedom, and joy through the sacramental life of the Church and the 12-steps of recovery.
Amen.

REFLECT

Reflect on the following questions. It’s recommended that you write these down in a journal. You might also want to share them with your sponsor, your fellows in recovery, or others who share your faith.

“Christ has willed that in her prayer and life and action his whole Church should be the sign and instrument of the forgiveness and reconciliation that he acquired for us at the price of his blood. But he entrusted the exercise of the power of absolution to the apostolic ministry which he charged with the ‘ministry of reconciliation.’ The apostle is sent out ‘on behalf of Christ’ with ‘God making his appeal’ through him and pleading: ‘Be reconciled to God’” (The Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1442).

Have you worked a Step Four and taken personal moral inventory? How does this align with the Catholic understanding of an examination of conscience?
What resentments might you still be holding onto? Bring these to the Lord in prayer, and ask Him for help in being freed from them. Consider bringing these to your recovery sponsor as well.
What role does the Sacrament of Reconciliation play in your faith life?
What defects of character and sinful tendencies can you humbly ask God to remove in prayer? How might you incorporate the Sacrament of Reconciliation in this process?

ACT

Conduct a personal moral inventory. Once done, consider meeting with your sponsor and/or participating in the Sacrament of Reconciliation within the next week.