1. Chapter 6
Penance

2. Conversion
• Indicates a radical reorientation of your life away from sin and evil—towards God
Central element of Jesus’ preaching
Main element of Church’s ministry of evangelization
Main element of sacrament of Penance
Parable of the Prodigal Son

3. Process of Conversion
Begins with loathing the place to which our sin has brought us or is bringing us
Entails comparing our lives to the life of Christ
Is our life directed towards complete union with God?

5. Ongoing Conversion of the Baptized
Great gift of Baptism
We still have inclination to sin—concupiscence
Constant struggle of conversion directed towards holiness

6. Interior Conversion
Accompanied by interior repentance—radical change of whole live, return to God, end of sin
Commitment to change our lives and sin no more

7. How to Accomplish Interior Conversion
Gesture of reconciliation
Concern for poor
Defense of justice and rights
Admitting faults
Fraternal correction
Changing course of our lives
Examining conscience
Accepting spiritual direction
Enduring suffering and persecution for sake of righteousness

8. Names for the Sacrament
Sacrament of Conversion
Sacrament of Penance
Sacrament of Confession
Sacrament of Forgiveness
Sacrament of Reconciliation

9. Sacramental Forgiveness and Reconciliation
Twofold process of conversion:
Reconciliation with the Church
God’s forgiveness of our sins
Classification of sins
Sins of the spirit and sins of the flesh, original and personal sin, venial and mortal sins

10. Sacramental Forgiveness and Reconciliation
Who can forgive sins?
Only God can forgive sins
God gave Jesus the power to forgive sins
Jesus willed the whole Church to continue his ministry of forgiveness and reconciliation
Power of absolution given to successors of the Apostles

11. Sacramental Forgiveness and Reconciliation
Apostles given authority to reconcile sinners with the Church
Spirit of God makes decision to forgive—Church acts upon that decision
When priest offers God’s forgiveness, you’re welcomed back into life of Church
Church renewed through sacrament of Penance

12. Practice of Sacrament of Penance
Sacrament instituted by Christ through ministry of forgiveness
Instituted for all members of Church
Sacrament celebrated anonymously or face to face

13. Practice of Sacrament of Penance
Steps involved:
Penitent greeted and blessed by priest
Reading of scriptures
Penitent invited to repent
Priest offers advice, gives penance to atone for sin and help make restitution

14. Practice of Sacrament of Penance
Steps involved cont.
Act of Contrition
Absolution
Prayer of Thanksgiving and Praise
Dismissal and blessing

15. Practice of Sacrament of Penance
Contrition—”heartfelt sorrow and aversion for the sin committed along with the intention of sinning no more”
Acceptance or responsibility for sin
Make decision to be more loving
Focus minds and heart on God
Perfect contrition—love God above all else—God forgives our sins

16. Practice of Sacrament of Penance
Examination of Conscience
Focus on teachings of Christ
Pay attention to teaching authority of the Church
Be guided by Holy Spirit
Listen to advice of others

17. Practice of Sacrament of Penance
Confession—disclosure of our sins
External expression of sorrow and willingness to accept responsibility
Confession is an outward form of contrition
Request for healing, expression of faith in God
Forms basis for new life with God and Church

18. Practice of Sacrament of Penance
Serious sins should be confessed at least once a year
Sacrament of Penance received before First Holy Communion
Regular confession of venial sins recommended

19. Practice of Sacrament of Penance
Importance of Penance
Correcting our sins, helping to repair damage
Rebuild our relationship with God and others
May involve prayer, almsgiving, self-denial, works of service
Helps to begin process of correcting past mistakes and building new life with God

20. Practice of Sacrament of Penance
Sacrament completed through priest granting absolution
Sacramental Seal
Hands extended by priest and God’s forgiveness pronounced
Broken relationship with God is renewed

21. Practice of Sacrament of Penance
In role of Confessor, priest should:
Have proven knowledge of Christian behavior
Have experience in human affairs
Be respectful towards sinner
Love the truth
Be faithful to Magisterium of Church
Lead penitent with patience toward healing and full maturity

22. Effects of Sacrament of Penance
Obstacles for union with God and Church removed
Reconciliation with God, neighbor, self, and all creation
True spiritual resurrection
Reconciliation with Church
Anticipation of our final judgment

23. Effects of Sacrament of Penance
Indulgences—”partial or total wiping away of punishments due for sins that have been forgiven”
Not free of all consequences of sin, consequences of sin extend far beyond what we can see
We have to make amends for harm we’ve done
Church offers assistance in making amends