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1. Why is the sacrament known by different names? It is called the sacrament of confession since confessing since confessing or telling your sins to a priest is an important part of the sacrament. It is called the sacrament of penance since it is an outward sign of a person's effort to change or conversion. It is called the sacrament of reconciliation because it helps the sinner "come back together" with God and the community.2. Why do we confess our sins to a priest? Jesus entrusted the ministry of reconciliation to the apostles; as successors of the apostles priests continue to act in this ministry as official representatives of God and the Faith community.3. What are the actions associated with the sacrament of reconciliation? The sacrament consists of three actions of the penitent: contrition (sorrow), confession (telling one's sins to a priest), and penance (satisfaction). The sacrament also consists of one action of the priest: absolution. The words of absolution are God's gift to sinners, assuring them of reconciliation with God and the church.4. How often should a Catholic go to confession? A Catholic should confess any grave sin as defined by the Ten Commandments at least once a year. Also, frequent celebration of the sacrament is a very useful remedy for lesser sins. Because the sacrament is so helpful in our spiritual and moral growth, it is recommended that we go to confession once a month.5. Can a priest repeat the contents of a confession? The priest is the servant of the sacrament, not the master of it. He has taken a vow never to reveal the contents of a private confession. This is known in the church as the "seal of confession."