Celebration of the Sacrament

From the Catechism of the Catholic Church, Simplified

Aspects of the Sacrament of Penance (1480)

The sacrament of Penance is a liturgical action which includes an examination of conscience, a greeting and blessing from the priest, reading of God's Word and exhortation, confession (acknowledgement to a priest of sins committed), the imposition and acceptance of a penance, and the priest's absolution and blessing.

The Byzantine Absolution (1481)

The Byzantine liturgy has several forms of absolution which acknowledge the sorrow of King David, the tears of Peter, the sorrow of the prostitute, and of the prodigal son. The Byzantine form asks forgiveness so the person can "appear before his awe-inspiring tribunal without condemnation."

Communal Celebration (1482)

The sacrament can take place in a communal celebration in which the personal confession of sins and individual absolution are inserted into a liturgy. This expresses more clearly the ecclesial character of penance. This sacrament, in whatever form, is always a liturgical, public action.

General Confession in Grave Necessity (1483)

In case of grave necessity, a communal celebration can include general confession and general absolution. This certainly happens when a large number of people are in danger of death with insufficient time for individual confessions. It also occurs when an insufficient number of confessors and lack of time would cause penitents to be deprived of sacramental grace and Holy Communion for a long time. For the absolution to be valid, the penitent must intend to use individual confession later. The diocesan bishop is the judge of these conditions. A large gathering on a given occasion is not a case of grave necessity.

Personal Confession (1484)

Individual, integral confession and absolution remain the only ordinary way for receiving forgiveness unless physical or moral impossibility excuses. Jesus wants each person to hear his words, "My son, your sins are forgiven" (Mk 2:5). Personal confession best expresses the person's reconciliation with God and the Church.

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