Penance (Confession or Reconciliation)

Because we have sinned since our Baptism, we are called to continuous conversion to Christ through the reception of the Sacrament of Penance or Reconciliation. The sacrament requires contrition (a genuine sorrow for committing sin and a resolution to avoid the sins in the future) as well as confession of sins and satisfaction or penance made for sinning. The mercy of God is made manifest in the formula of absolution by recalling that “Father of mercies” has reconciled the world to himself through the Paschal Mystery of Christ and sent forth the Holy Spirit for the forgiveness of sins through the ministry of the Church. (Catechism of the Catholic Church #1449)