307. Who is the minister of this sacrament? (part 1)

307. Who is the minister of this sacrament? (part 1)    

(Comp 307) Christ has entrusted the ministry of Reconciliation to his apostles, to the bishops who are their successors and to the priests who are the collaborators of the bishops, all of whom become thereby instruments of the mercy and justice of God. They exercise their power of forgiving sins in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

 “In brief”

(CCC 1495) Only priests who have received the faculty of absolving from the authority of the Church can forgive sins in the name of Christ. 

To deepen and explain

 (CCC 1461) Since Christ entrusted to his apostles the ministry of reconciliation (Cf. Jn 20:23; 2 Cor 5:18), bishops who are their successors, and priests, the bishops' collaborators, continue to exercise this ministry. Indeed bishops and priests, by virtue of the sacrament of Holy Orders, have the power to forgive all sins "in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit." (CCC 1462) Forgiveness of sins brings reconciliation with God, but also with the Church. Since ancient times the bishop, visible head of a particular Church, has thus rightfully been considered to be the one who principally has the power and ministry of reconciliation: he is the moderator of the penitential discipline (Cf. LG 26 § 3). Priests, his collaborators, exercise it to the extent that they have received the commission either from their bishop (or religious superior) or the Pope, according to the law of the Church (Cf. CIC cann. 844; 967-969; 972; CCEO, can. 722 §§ 3-4).    

On reflection

(CCC 1464) Priests must encourage the faithful to come to the sacrament of Penance and must make themselves available to celebrate this sacrament each time Christians reasonably ask for it (Cf. CIC, can. 486; CCEO, can. 735; PO 13). [IT CONTINUES]    

(The question: Who is the minister of this sacrament? continues)