Mystagogy – Confession and Growth After Initiation

Mystagogy – Session 3

Confession and Growth After Initiation

This session forms part of the period of mystagogy following reception into the Church. It is intended to help those newly initiated understand sin, repentance, and the sacrament of Confession as normal elements of Christian growth.

Aim of this session

By the end of this session, participants should understand that:

  • weakness and sin do not end Christian life
  • Baptism is not undone by failure
  • Confession is normal, not exceptional
  • mercy restores communion
  • growth in holiness is gradual

This session answers the question:

What happens when I fail after entering the Church?

1. Initiation Does Not Remove Human Weakness

Baptism removes sin.
It does not remove human frailty.

Those newly initiated often expect:

  • clarity
  • strength
  • freedom from temptation

When struggle returns, it can be discouraging.

The Church has never taught that initiation removes weakness.
She teaches that it gives grace to respond to it.

2. Sin After Initiation Is Real

The Christian life is not lived without failure.

Even the saints:

  • struggled
  • repented
  • returned

Sin after initiation is not:

  • evidence that Baptism failed
  • proof that conversion was false

It is evidence that growth is still needed.

3. Confession Is Part of Normal Christian Life

Confession is not:

  • a punishment
  • a setback
  • an emergency measure

It is a sacrament of healing.

The Church expects her members to return regularly to Confession because:

  • conversion is ongoing
  • conscience needs formation
  • mercy restores peace

4. Fear and Shame

Many hesitate to return to Confession because of:

  • shame
  • fear of judgement
  • perfectionism

These fears are common.
They are not signs of failure.

The priest does not sit in judgement as an accuser.
He acts as a minister of Christ’s mercy.

5. Confession and the Eucharist

The Eucharist nourishes the Christian life.
Confession heals what wounds it.

These sacraments belong together.

To avoid Confession while receiving Communion regularly
is to misunderstand both.

The Church does not demand perfection.
She offers restoration.

6. Frequency and Honesty

The Church encourages:

  • regular Confession
  • honest examination of conscience
  • trust in mercy

Regular Confession:

  • prevents discouragement
  • keeps sin from hardening
  • strengthens humility

7. What Is Being Asked of You Now

At this stage, you are asked to:

  • return when you fall
  • resist isolation
  • trust mercy over fear

Failure does not disqualify.
Refusal to return does.

8. Questions for Reflection

Reflect quietly during the week:

  • Do I expect perfection too quickly?
  • Am I willing to return when I fail?
  • Do I trust mercy more than shame?

Closing Summary

The Church exists because people fall and rise again.

Confession is not a sign of weakness.
It is a sign of life.

Growth in holiness is marked not by never falling,
but by always returning.

Optional Closing Prayer

Merciful Lord,
You know our weakness and our fear.
Give us humility to repent,
confidence to return,
and trust in Your unfailing mercy.
Amen.