Day 201: The Confessor's Role

Since Christ entrusted to his apostles the ministry of reconciliation, 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 1461

The Catechism discusses the role of the confessor in the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation in today's reading. The priest acts in persona Christi, as an extension of the bishop, themselves successors of the Apostles, giving absolution to penitents in the name of Christ for this sacrament (Jn 20:22-23). Some mortal sins require special attention, as the Catechism Compendium summarizes:

The absolution of certain particularly grave sins (like those punished by excommunication) is reserved to the Apostolic See or to the local bishop or to priests who are authorized by them. Any priest, however, can absolve a person who is in danger of death from any sin and excommunication. (#308)

The Catechism Companion, Vol II gives some good commentary about the priest in this sacrament:

A priest's life is meant to be defined by the ministry of mercy. A priest should unite his heart to the heart of the Good Shepherd, being faithful to Jesus and the Magisterium of the Church. A priest who hears confessions "must love the truth" (CCC 1466). Confession is a place of healing, love, restoration, and power. [Priests should] have the heart of Jesus and receive each person into the arms of the Father in the sacrament of Reconciliation. (p. 166) 

Finally, the Catechism Companion recommends this excellent video called "Confession is a Place of Victory":