Anyone who approaches the Sacrament of Reconciliation obtains pardon through God's mercy for the offenses committed against Him and are at the same time reconciled with the Church. Christ in His mercy instituted this Sacrament because even though His children have been freed from original sin at Baptism, concupiscence, or an inclination to sin, still exists in all of us. This sacrament is for all sinful members of His Church: above all for the members who have fallen into grave sin and have thus lost their baptismal grace and have wounded their communion with the Church. We know that only God forgives sins, but Christ entrusted that power to the Apostles and their successors so that all who seek reconciliation may receive it. In the confessional, we humbly bow before the Lord, acknowledging our sinfulness, and voicing our sins to God through the priest places us in a position to take responsibility for our actions and allows us to receive fully the gift of mercy the Father wants to give us. Everyone ought to know that a spirit of welcome, mercy, compassion, and joy await all who approach this sacrament with a sincere and contrite heart for the Lord is "slow to anger and rich in kindness and mercy."