1. Why did Christ prescribe the Sacrament of Forgiveness and the Sacrament of Repentance?
Christ, the Healer of our souls and bodies, ordained these Sacraments because the new life He gave us in the Sacraments of Christian initiation can be weakened, even lost because of sin. Therefore, Christ wants the Church to continue His healing and saving work through this Sacrament.
THE SACRAMENT OF REPENTANCE
1. What is the name of this Sacrament?
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The names of the Sacraments are the Sacrament of Atonement, the Sacrament of Reconciliation, the Sacrament of Forgiveness, the Sacrament of Confession, and the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
2. Why is there the Sacrament of Reconciliation after Baptism?
Because the grace of new life received in the Sacrament of Baptism does not erase the weakness of human nature and also the tendency to sin (which is called Conkupicsense). Christ instituted this Sacrament for the conversion of baptized persons separated from Him by sin.
3. When did Christ institute this Sacrament?
The resurrected Lord instituted this Sacrament on Easter night when He appeared to the Apostles and said to them: “Receive the Holy Spirit.” If you forgive a person’s sin, it is forgiven, and if you confess that person’s sin remains, the sin remains” (John 20: 23).
4. Does the person being baptized need repentance?
Christ’s call to repentance continues throughout the life of the person being baptized. Repentance is a continuing duty for the whole Church. The church is holy, but it also includes sinners.
5. What is inner repentance?
Inner repentance is a dynamic of “a broken and crushed heart” (Ps. 51:19). Who is moved by divine grace to respond to the merciful love of God. This repentance contains regret for the sins that have been committed, a firm intention not to sin again in the future and trust in God’s help. This penitent hopes full of divine mercy.
6. What are the forms of penance in the Christian life?
Acts of penance can be expressed in various forms, but especially in fasting, and giving alms. These and many other forms can be practiced in the life of a Christian, especially during Lent and on Friday, the day of penance.
7. What are the main elements of the Sacrament of Reconciliation?
There are two main elements: first: Actions of people who come and repent through the work of the Holy Spirit and second: Forgiveness of sins from the Priest who acts on behalf of Christ to provide forgiveness, determines the way to make amends for the sins he has committed.
8. What should the penitent do?
Penitents must docareful internal examination; repentance.It would be perfect if the motivation was love for Allah; it will not be perfect if there are other motivations and accompanied by a sincere intention not to sin again. Confession consists of declaring one’s sins to the Priest and acts of penance or penance proposed by the confessor to the penitent to repair the “damage” caused by the sin.
9. What sins must be confessed?
All unconfessed mortal sins which are realized through careful examination of conscience must be brought into the sacrament of penance. Confession of mortal sins is the only normal way to obtain forgiveness.
10. When does a person have to confess the sin of death (Peccata Mortalis)?
Every believer who has reached the age of discretion (able to distinguish between good and evil) is bound to confess grave sins at least once a year and always before receiving Holy Communion.
11. Why can venial sins also be the object of Sacramental confession?
Confession of venial sins is also highly recommended by the Church, even though this is not absolutely necessary because it can help us form a right conscience and fight against evil tendencies. This helps us to be healed by Christ and progress in the spirit life.
12. Who is the minister of this Sacrament?
Christ has entrusted the stewardship of this sacrament of Reconciliation to His Apostles, to the Bishops who are the successors of the Apostles and to the priests, the Bishop’s co-workers. These people become instruments of God’s mercy and truth. They exercise the power of forgiveness of sinsin the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.
14. Is the confessor bound by secrets?
Every confessor, without exception and under the threat of very severe punishment, is bound to hold fast to the “seal of confession” which means absolute secrecy about the sins revealed to him in confession because of the majesty of this deed and the respect that must be given to each person.
15. What is the fruit of this Sacrament?
The fruit of the sacrament of penance is reconciliation with God and peace with the Church; the restoration of the state of grace if it has been lost due to mortal sins and the removal, at least in part, of the temporary punishment resulting from sin. This sacrament also provides peace, serenity, calm conscience, spiritual consolation, and increased spiritual strength to fight in Christian life.
16. In certain cases, can this Sacrament be administered by general confession and general absolution?
In cases of extreme necessity (such as in the face of death) a general ceremony of reconciliation with general confession and general absolution can be carried out, as long as the Church’s norms are adhered to and there is a personal intention to confess grave sins if this is possible.
