Perfect sorrow or contrition for mortal sin restores a person to the state of grace even prior to receiving the Sacrament of Penance, providing he is sincerely sorry for offending God and intends to go to confession as soon as possible. We have perfect sorrow for our sins when we are truly sorry for them because they have offended our …

Yes, when a Catholic has committed a serious or mortal sin, sacramental confession is the ordinary way to reconcile the sinner with Christ and His Church. Confession is, for the Catholic, the sacramental way of obtaining pardon for sin and of submitting his offenses to the mercy and forgiving grace of God. In this sacrament Jesus forgives our sins, no …

The Sacrament of Penance helps us: (1) to obtain forgiveness from God after we have made a sincere confession, shown true sorrow, and are resolved not to sin again; (2) to be reconciled with the Church, which is wounded by our sins; and (3) to strive for holiness of life and overcome habits of sin. 1. The Sacrament of Penance …

The Sacrament of Penance brings to the Christian God’s merciful forgiveness for any sins committed after Baptism, and it brings the sinner consolation and peace. St. John writes: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just, and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). As God’s Son, Jesus had the power of …

When we receive the seal of the Spirit at Confirmation, we are prepared to (1) witness for Christ as mature Christians, and (2) defend the Faith and evangelize. When we receive the seal of the Spirit at Confirmation, we are prepared to witness for Christ as mature Christians. By Confirmation, the Christian is bound more perfectly to the Church, and …

Confirmation is a sacrament that confirms or strengthens the life of the Spirit which was given to us at Baptism. In virtue of this sacrament, the faithful are obliged to spread and defend the Faith as true witnesses of Christ. The principal sign of Confirmation is made by the bishop or priest, when he lays his hand upon the forehead …

Baptism (1) permanently relates us to God as His adopted children, and (2) joins us to Christ’s priesthood and His prophetic and kingly mission. 1. Baptism permanently relates us to God as His adopted children. This relationship or bond can never be erased. Baptism is directed toward acquiring the fullness of life in Christ, that is, toward a complete profession …