Explanation of the four steps needed for reconciliation with God:
Contrition
Contrition is the first of four steps with the sacrament of reconciliation. Contrition means sincere penitence or remorse. Contrition begins before the celebration of the sacrament. Contrition is very important to Christianity, it requires sincere thoughts of conscience to recall the many ways and errors, that occur when breaking God’s laws. Contrition is a major factor in the four steps due to preparing for forgiveness within the sacrament of reconciliation.
Confession
Confession is the second step within the sacrament of reconciliation. This sacrament is the stage when a person confesses to a sin, by admitting he/she has fail to live as true Christian. Confession has a great impact on a person, as they reveal the truth, and is freed of sins. It is a requirement to say all mortal sins. It is not need to say all of your venial sins, due to venial sins can also be forgiven through praying, charity work and communion.
Satisfaction
This is the third step of reconciliation which involves two parts, the penance and the prayer of sorrow. The penance is when it is assist to what has been confessed, to make a situation better, such as return of stolen of goods, paying for damage which was cause or even a hug and an apology to someone who they hurt. The second part is the prayer of sorrow, this is when the priest asks the person to say a pray of sorrow which might include a personal prayer, a formal prayer or a common prayer.
Absolution
The forth and final step includes the priest setting free the person from their sins. The priest lays their hands above their head, while also gives them a blessing them while saying:
God, the Father of mercies, through the death and the resurrection
of his Son has reconciled the world to himself and sent the Holy
Spirit among us for the forgiveness of sins; through the ministry of
the Church may God give you pardon and peace, and I absolve
you from your sins in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and
of the Holy Spirit. (Catechism 1449)