chapter 4 Religion Vocabulary

Confession

An essential element of the Sacrament of Reconciliation (or Penance), which consists in telling one's sins to the priestly minister. By extension, the word_________is used to refer to the Sacrament itself.

Examination of Conscience

Prayerful self-reflection on one's words and deeds in light of the Gospel to determine how one has sinned against God. This is necessary to prepare for the Sacrament of Penance.

Imperfect Contrition

Sorrow of the soul and detestation of the sin committed together with the resolution not to sin again as a result of fear of God's punishment rather than out of love of God.

Partial Indulgence

An indulgence that removes part of the temporal punishment due to sin.

Penance

A conversion of heart toward God and away from sin; this includes the intention to change one's life because of hope in divine mercy. It is often characterized by fasting, prayer, and almsgiving.

Reconciliation

Also called Penance or Confession: the Sacrament by which Christ forgives sins. Jesus gave his Apostles—who passed it on to their successors down to this day—the power to forgive or retain sins.

Seal of Confession

The confessor's obligation to keep absolutely secret what a penitent has told him in the Sacrament of Penance; also known as the sacramental seal.

Venial Sin

An offense against the law and love of God that does not deprive the soul of sanctifying grace. It does, however, weaken a person's love for God and neighbor.

Conversion

A radical reorientation of one's whole life away from sin and evil and toward God. This is a central element of Christ's preaching, of the Church's ministry of evangelization, and of the Sacrament of Penance.

General Absolution

A form of the rite of Penance that is rarely used. In extreme circumstances, a group of people may be absolved of their sins without individual confession of sins.

Mortal Sin

A grave offense against God that destroys a person's relationship with him by severing him or her from divine love. It destroys charity in the heart of man; it turns man away from God, who is his ultimate end and his beatitude, by preferring an inferior good to him.

Perfect Contrition

Sorrow of the soul and detestation of the sin committed together with the resolution not to sin again as a result of love for God above all else.

Plenary Indulgence

An indulgence that removes all of the temporal punishment due to sin.

Satisfaction

An act whereby the sinner makes amends, especially in reparation to God for offenses against him.

Sin of Commission

Sin by means of committing an evil act such as theft or murder.

Sin of Omission

Sin by means of failure to commit a good act, such as attend Mass on Sunday or forgive a sinner. Willful neglect or positive refusal to perform some good action, such as attending Mass, that one's conscience urges one to do.