Catholics believe that "Individual, integral confession and absolution remain the only ordinary way for the faithful to reconcile themselves with God"

"Individual, integral confession and absolution remain the only ordinary way for the faithful to reconcile themselves with God and the Church, unless physical or moral impossibility excuses from this kind of confession." There are profound reasons for this. Christ is at work in each of the sacraments. He personally addresses every sinner: "My son, your sins are forgiven." He is the physician tending each one of the sick who need him to cure them. He raises them up and reintegrates them into fraternal communion. Personal confession is thus the form most expressive of reconciliation with God and with the Church.

-- CCC 1484

Catholics receive Communion at least once a year during the Easter Season

"Take and eat." Our Lord urges us to share intimate communion of love and life through grace with Him especially through the Eucharist, His true, real and substantial Presence on the altar through the priest in every holy Mass.

Unfortunately there are some who, though not hindered for reason of divorce and remarriage or living with someone with whom they are not sacramentally married, for example, yet remain distant from the Eucharist perhaps because unwilling to confess mortal sins sacramentally, as required, before doing so.

Catholics are required to receive Communion at least once a year during the Easter Season. For some this means celebrating Confession also if they are in a state of mortal sin. For more about this and other Catholic customs for the Easter Season, visit Fish Eaters.