Reconciliation

Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation

The Sacrament through which sins committed after Baptism can be forgiven, restoring communion with God and the community.

Minister

The priest (including bishops, because bishops are priests) who administers the Sacrament of Penance.

Matter of the Sacrament

The confession of sins, which is essential for the validity of the sacrament.

Seal of Confession

A priest must keep absolute secrecy regarding the sins confessed, with no exceptions allowed.

Concupiscence

Inclination to sin, part of our fallen nature.

Mortal Sin

A serious sin that destroys charity in the heart of man by a grave violation of God’s law.

Three Conditions for Mortal Sin

Grave matter, full knowledge, and complete consent.

Act of Contrition

A prayer expressing sorrow for sins out of love for God, and a commitment to avoid sin in the future.

Penance

An outward expression of sorrow, often involving actions like prayer, acts of charity, or self-denial.

Effects of Reconciliation

Reconciliation with God and the Church, peace of conscience, and removal of eternal punishment for forgiven sins.

Venial Sin

A less serious sin that involves failure to observe moderation in lesser matters of the moral law.

Confession of Sins

The act of disclosing one's sins to the priest, required for receiving the sacrament.

Temporal Punishment

The purification needed in response to sin, which can occur during one's life or in Purgatory.

Perfect Contrition

Sorrow for sin motivated by love of God.

Imperfect Contrition

Sorrow for sin motivated by fear of Hell.

Habitual Sin

A sin that has been repeated multiple times and has become a habit that is hard to break.

Sin of Omission

A sin resulting from a failure to act when one should have.

Five Parts of the Mass

The major segments of the Mass: Opening Rites, Liturgy of the Word, Liturgy of the Eucharist, Communion Rite, Closing Rites.