Those who approach the sacrament of Penance obtain pardon from God's mercy for the offense committed against him, and are, at the same time, reconciled with the Church which they have wounded by their sins and which by charity, by example, and by prayer labors for their conversion. It is called the sacrament of conversion, of Penance, of confession, of forgiveness, and of Reconciliation.

Christ instituted the sacrament on the evening of his resurrection: 'Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven' (John 20:22-23).

form

I absolve you from your sins in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

matter

The acts of the penitent: contrition, confession of sins, and intention to do penance.

Only priests who have received the faculty of absolving from the authority of the Church.

Every baptized Catholic conscious of grave sin must approach this sacrament before receiving Holy Communion.

• Reconciliation with God by which the penitent recovers grace
• Reconciliation with the Church
• Remission of the eternal punishment incurred by mortal sins
• Remission, at least in part, of temporal punishments resulting from sin
• Peace and serenity of conscience, and spiritual consolation
• An increase of spiritual strength for the Christian battle

See the parish RCIA / OCIA office or your pastor for catechetical preparation.

• CCC 1422-1498