Origins
This Person instituted the Sacrament of Reconciliation on the evening of His Resurrection.
Who is Jesus Christ?
The Catechism (CCC 1426) refers to Reconciliation by this title, as it follows the initial grace of Baptism.
What is the "Second Conversion"?
This vestment represents the priest’s authority and the liturgical season of penance.
What is the purple stole?
Naming specific sins aloud to the priest as a way of taking responsibility for failings.
What is Confession?
The priest raises this specific hand over the penitent while speaking the words of forgiveness.
What is the right hand?
In this Gospel passage, Jesus tells the Apostles, "Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven".
What is John 20:21-23?
Reconciliation is described as this type of "medicine" that heals wounds in the soul and community.
What is spiritual medicine?
These symbols represent the Church's entrusted power to "bind and loose".
What are the Keys?
Considered the most important act of the penitent, it involves deep sorrow for sin and a resolve to change.
What is Contrition?
This is the name given to the specific text the priest recites to free the soul from sin.
What is the Formula of Absolution?
Jesus gave these to Peter in Matthew 16:19, representing the power to bind and loose.
What are the "Keys of the Kingdom"?
This specific effect of the sacrament restores serenity of conscience and deep spiritual consolation.
What is Peace?
This physical part of a confessional symbolizes the absolute privacy and anonymity of the "Seal of Confession".
What is the grille?
Performing assigned prayers or works to make reparation for harm done.
What is Satisfaction?
The priest begins his prayer by saying, "God, the Father of...".
What is "mercies"?
This is the process through which the authority to forgive sins is passed from the Apostles to Bishops and Priests.
What is Apostolic Succession?
For those who fall into sin after receiving the Holy Spirit, the sacrament acts as this "of salvation".
What is a "plank of salvation"?
The priest's stole is this specific color to signify penance.
The priest's stole is this specific color to signify penance.
This is the actual moment of God’s forgiveness, delivered through the priest’s prayer.
What is Absolution?
The priest states that God gives pardon and peace through this "of the Church".
What is the "ministry of the Church"?
This biblical parable is used to illustrate "Conversion of Heart" and returning to the Father’s embrace.
Who is the Prodigal Son?
This effect of the sacrament grants the remission of eternal punishment.
What is Pardon?
These two groups of people are the only ones through whom Apostolic authority to forgive sins is passed down.
Who are Bishops and Priests?
These are the two specific types of "assigned penance" mentioned under the act of Satisfaction.
What are prayer and works?
This is the single word the penitent responds with at the conclusion of the rite.
What is "Amen"?