In many Christian churches, people go through a special ceremony to have their sins forgiven. This ceremony is called the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Some people go to the ceremony every week, while others go once or twice a year, during Advent or Lent.

Before the sacrament, people spend some time quietly thinking about all the wrong things they have done since the last time they took part in the ceremony.

After this time of reflection, individuals are invited to 'confess' their 'sins' to a priest. This confession takes place in a room, face-to-face with the priest. Or, if people prefer, a priest will hear confessions in a special booth, where he can not see the face of the person who is making the confession.

After a person has confessed, the priest might ask questions to find out what has been done to make up for the wrongs committed or to make sure that the person is really sorry and determined not to repeat their wrongs. The priest then grants forgiveness, using a special prayer. He also sets some tasks for the person to right the wrongs they have done. These can be saying prayers, fasting or giving money to charity.

Many Christians feel good after the Sacrament of Reconciliation. They feel that God has forgiven them through the special power of the priest. The priest also has special responsibilities. He is not allowed to tell anyone, not even the police, any of the wrongs which are confessed to him.