Penance

• penance is a sacrament of the new law instituted by Christ in which forgiveness of sins committed after baptism is granted through the priests absolution
• the word penance derives from the old french and latin word penitentia which means repentance, or the desire to be forgiven
• this is the sacrament where the church celebrates the priests ability (wearing the purple stole); on behalf the community and Holy Spirit to forgive the sins of those who turned away from God.
• through this the pentient recieves:

  • healing
  • renewal
• I absolve you in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit
• Effects of penance

  • restoration of sanctifying grace
  • forgiveness of sins
  • remission of eternal punishment
  • help avoid sin in the future
  • restoration of merits
• signs and symbols

  • keys, crisscossed in the shape of X are the most common symbol for the sacrament of reconciliation.
• Stole: primary symbol of the ordained priesthood
• Raised hand: the priest offers the prayer of absolution, the blessing that removes the penitent's sins, and extends his right hand over the pentients head
• Ministers

  • bishop
  • priest
• rites:

  • individual confession
  • communal celebration
  • general absolution