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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

The Church desires that every Catholic, from the “age of discretion” (about seven years old), should be instructed on how to receive and best profit from the regular use of the Sacrament of Penance. The Church encourages the faithful to confess their sins to a priest with a contrite heart in the Sacrament of Penance. She makes it very clear …

When we confess our venial sins, not only does God pardon them, but we receive an increase of grace and charity which allows for a better disposition for receiving Jesus in the Holy Eucharist and helps us to perfect the Christian life. The abundance of the fruit which we gain from Holy Communion depends upon the degree of our love, …