Satisfaction

-One must do what is possible in order to repair the harm. But sin also injures and weakens the sinner himself,
as well as his relationship with God and neighbor. He must “make satisfaction for” or “expiate” is sins. This satisfaction is
also called “penance”.
 Penance –voluntary self-punishment inflicted as an outward expression of repentance for having done
wrong.
o It consist of prayer, an offering, works of mercy, and above all the patient acceptance of the
cross we must bear.
VII. The Minister of This Sacrament
-Since Christ entrusted to his apostles the ministry of reconciliation, bishops collaborators continue to exercise
this ministry. By virtue of the sacrament of Holy Orders, have the power to forgive all sins “in the name of the Father,
and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit”
-Forgiveness of sins brings reconciliation with God, but also with the Church.
-The Priest is the sign and the instrument of God’s merciful love for the sinner.
-The minister of this sacrament should have a proven knowledge of Christian behavior, experience of human
affairs, respect and sensitivity towards the one who fallen and lead the penitent with patience towards healing and full
maturity.
-Every priest who hears confessions is bound under very severe penalties to keep absolute secrecy regarding the
sins that his penitents have confessed to him. This secret, which admits of no exceptions, is called “sacramental seal”.
IX. The Effect of the Sacrament
-The whole power of the sacrament of penance consists in restoring us to God’s grace and joining us with him in
an intimate friendship. The sacrament with God brings about a true “spiritual resurrection”.
-This sacrament reconciles us with the Church.
-In this sacrament the sinner placing himself before merciful judgement to which he will be subjected at the end
of his earthly life.
X. Indulgences
What is an indulgence?
-Remission before God of the temporal punishment due to sins whose guilt as already been forgiven.
-indulgence is partial or plenary according as it removes either part or all of the temporal punishment due to sin.
The Punishment of Sin
-To understand this doctrine and practice of the church is is necessary to understand that sin has a double
consequence.
 Eternal punishment - Grave sins deprives us of communion with God, and therefore makes us incapable
of eternal life.(Hell)
 Temporal Punishment- may be expiated in this world or if not sufficiently expiated here will be
exacted in full in purgatory.
In the Communion of Saints
-a perennial link of charity exist between the faithful who already reached their heavenly home. Thus
recourse to the communion of saints lets the contrite sinner be more promptly and efficaciously purified of the
punishment for sin.