Doctrine of Confession (Kastonite)

(This article is taken from the Church of Northshire Wiki as-is, and is the work of Katarynne.)

Overview
Confession is the method of the Church by which individual men and women may confess sins committed after induction and have them absolved by a priest. For the Church of Northshire, the intent of this Ordinance is to provide healing for the soul as well as to regain the grace of God, lost by sin. Believers express that priests have been given the authority by God to exercise the forgiveness of sins here on the earth and it is in God's holy name by which the person confessing is forgiven.

The acts of Confession
The Church of Northshire teaches that holy confession requires three "acts" on the part of the penitent. All of these acts, together create the formula of confession, on behalf of the penitent. However, it is through the formula on behalf of both the penitent and confessor that initiates the ordinance.
 * Contrition - sorrow of the soul for the sins committed.
 * Disclosure - the 'confession' of the sins.
 * Satisfaction - the 'penance', i.e. doing something to make amends for the sins.

Typically the penitent begins the ordination of Confession by saying, "Bless me Father (Mother), for I have sinned. It has been [time period] since my last confession." The penitent must then confess what he/she believes to be fatal sins in order to be reconciled with God and the Church.

The sinner may also confess trivial sins' this is especially recommended if the penitent has no fatal sins to confess. "Without being strictly necessary, confession of everyday faults (trivial sins) is nevertheless strongly recommended by the Church." Indeed, the regular confession of our trivial sins helps us form our conscience, fight against evil tendencies, and lets ourselves be healed by God and progress in the life of holiness. By receiving more frequently through this sacrament the gift of the Maker's mercy, we are spurred to be merciful as He is merciful.

In general practice, after one confesses to the priest, the priest covers the head of the person with their Stole or Hands, and reads the Prayer of Absolution, asking God to forgive the transgressions of the individual.

Traditionally, clergy often make their confession in the sanctuary. A bishop, or priest will confess at the Altar where the Scripture and blessing cross are normally kept. He confesses in the same manner as a layman, except that when a priest hears a bishop's confession, the priest kneels.

How often is Confession required?
The Church makes it a requirement to attend confession at least four times a year, but encourage the faithful to do so on a monthly, if not weekly basis.

The Seal of Confession
The Seal of Confession is the absolute confidentiality for the Church of Northshire priests, for anything they learn from penitents during the course of confession. The punishment is atae sententiae.