Rite of Penance

Introduction

In his apostolic letter Novo Millennio Ineunte (2001), Pope John Paul wrote: 'I am asking for renewed pastoral courage in ensuring that the day-to-day teaching of Christian communities persuasively and effectively presents the practice of the Sacrament of Reconciliation.'

This letter was followed by the Holy Father’s Apostolic Letter Misericordia Dei (2002) in which the Holy Father urged the Church to undertake a vigorous revitalization of the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

The Liturgy Office has produced a variety of resources to assist the Church in England and Wales respond to the encouragement offered by Pope John Paul. They are all available to be downloaded from the website without charge. They may be freely reproduced, so long as they are not made available for sale and the copyright details are not altered.

Resources

General Parish Resources

• Reviewing Parish Ministry (pdf)
  A brief paper with questions focusing on how the Rite of Penance is understood and celebrated in a parish.
• Celebrating Reconciliation Together
  An introduction to the second form of the Rite of Penance and guide for local collaboration to enable its worthy celebration.
• Fasting (pdf)
  A leaflet explaining the Church's teaching with ideas for prayerful fasting.
  The leaflet refers to:
  • Fasting & Abstinence - a statement of the Bishops
  • A Time of Prayer
  • Resources for Holy Hours
• Penitential Celebrations
  An introduction to non-sacramental parish celebrations.
  • Leaflet (pdf)
  • Notes for Parish Liturgy Groups (pdf)
• Resources for Parish Liturgy Groups — Preparing Form 2 (pdf)
  • See Documentation for Introduction the Rite and Lectionary provision.
• Thinking about Reconciliation
  A broader perspective on reconciliation in the liturgical life of the Church. The text includes extensive quotations from the Rite of Penance and other Church documents, and series of questions to encourage personal engagement with the material.
• Celebrating the Mercy of God - the Place of Reconciliation (pdf)
  extract from Consecrated for Worship - a directory on Church Buildings

Season of Advent

• Form 1
  • Guide for Adults preparing for the Sacrament
  • Guide for Children preparing for the Sacrament
  • Scripture cards
• Form 2
• Non Sacramental form
  Resources for family celebration
  A simple pattern for a non-sacramental family celebration of reconciliation.

Season of Lent

• Form 1
  • Guide for Adults preparing for the Sacrament
  • Guide for Children preparing for the Sacrament
    These cards offer a guide to the first Form of the Rite, and include the basic texts and simple commentary.
  • Scripture cards
    Cards to assist penitents in using Scripture as part of their preparation for celebration of the Sacrament.
• Form 2
  Resources for Lenten celebration — Guidance and resources, including a sample service for parish use.
• Non Sacramental form
  Resources for family celebration
  A simple pattern for a non-sacramental family celebration of reconciliation.

Documentation

• Rite of Penance — published Rite
• Rite of Penance — Introduction
  • A4 pages (pdf)
  • A5 booklet for copying (pdf)
• Rite of Penance — Lectionary
  The readings given in the Lectionary for the Rite of Penance.
• Fasting and Abstinence
  In May 2011, following the Papal Visit, the Bishops f England and Wales sought "to re-establish the practice of Friday penance in the lives of the faithful as a clear and distinctive mark of their own Catholic identity.
  • May 2011 Resolution
  • Article & FAQs
• Misericordia Dei (pdf)
  on Certain Aspects of the Celebration of the Sacrament of Penance
  His Holiness John Paul II - Apostolic Letter
• Norms related to Canon 961, §2 (pdf)