What is penance?
Q: What is penance?
A: Penance is repentance of sins, as well as the name of the Catholic Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation/Confession.
Q: What does the word "penance" mean?
A: The word penance comes from the Latin poenitentia, which in English means repentance, the desire to be forgiven, or contrition.
Q: How are penance and repentance related?
A: Penance and repentance were similar in their original sense. After a controversy about faith and good works they are seen as conflicting views.
Q: What is the sacrament of reconciliation?
A: The sacrament of reconciliation, also called penance or confession, is a sacrament in the Roman Catholic Church. It is a way for people to be forgiven of their sins by being reconciled closer to God.
Q: What must someone do when receiving this sacrament?
A: When receiving this sacrament, one must confess their sins to a Catholic priest or bishop privately. Afterwards they must say a prayer that shows they are sorry for their sins and then the priest says a prayer to forgive them.
Q: How often should Catholics receive this sacrament?
A: Every Catholic must come to this sacrament at least once a year but can come more frequently if desired.
Q: Are priests allowed to tell anyone what they hear during confessions?
A: Priests who hear confessions are not allowed to tell anyone what they heard no matter what - even if it was part of mass penance where others heard too - everyone involved must keep it confidential.
