A. Answer with one of the following words: prodigal, glad, house, inheritance, death, life, forgiveness, money, concert, banquet.

 1. Sacraments of healing

    We have studied the sacraments of Christian initiation: Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist, which bring us a new life in Christ. But, even though the grace, mankind is weak, and we may sin and suffer again the bitterness of sin.

     Christ wanted a cure for these problems inside the Church, and we can find it in the sacraments of Penance and Anointing of the sick, called healing sacraments because they heal us from weakness and forgive our sins.

 2. To save ourselves, we must repent from our sins

    There are no salvation without the repentance of sins, something absolutely necessary to everybody who has offended God. Jesus said: '...but unless you repent you will all perish as they did' (Luke 13,3).

     Before the coming of Jesus, men have no security about the forgiveness of their sins. He brought us safety, by the words: 'Your sins are forgiven' (Matthew 9,2).

 3. The institution of the sacrament of Penance to forgive sins

    On the Easter Sunday evening, Christ introduced the sacrament of Penance by saying to his disciples:'Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive anyone's sins, they are forgiven; if you retain anyone's sins, they are retained.' (John 20,22-23). He introduced the sacrament as a matter of judgement, but in a merciful way, so that the Apostles and their legitimate heirs could forgive sins.

     'What depths of mercy there are in God's justice! For, in the judgments of men, he who confesses his fault is punished: and in the Judgment of God, he is pardoned. Blessed be the holy Sacrament of Penance!' (The Way, 309).

     This sacrament is called of conversion, reconciliation or confession.

 4. Jesus himself, as priest, is who absolves us

    Only priests, with the authority given only to them by Jesus, can forgive sins. There are not absolution telling our sins to a friend or directly to God. Besides, at the absolution Christ himself is the one who absolve us through the priest. Sin is an insult to God and only He can forgive it. A priest must maintain the sacramental seal- and is severe forced to do it-.

   B. There are 5 true sentences and 3 wrong ones. Choose the correct ones.

 5. Effects of the sacraments

    The effects of the sacrament are truly wonderful:

     - Reconciliation with God, forgiving sin to recover the sanctifying grace.

     - Reconciliation with the Church.

     - Remission of the eternal punishment of sin and the temporal punishments- at least partially.

     - Peace and serenity, with our conscience finding spiritual relief.

     - Spiritual aids for a Christian, avoiding relapse in sin.

 6. Neccesity of Penance

    The sacrament of Penance is absolutely needed for those who have commited mortal sin. The Church teaches that there are an obligation of confessing mortal sins at least once a year, in danger of death and to receive the Holy Communion.

     But there are a difference between obligation and necessity of loving God. There is no real necessity to kissing our mother, to greeting our friends or to do jogging, but to do it is very common. If we wanted to grow in Christ's love, we must frequently confess, and do it in a proper way.

 7. Benefits of a frequent confession

    The Church recomends a frequent confession, not only of mortal sins, which must be promptly confessed, but also of the venial ones. In this way, our own knowledge is increased; humility grows; bad habits are eradicated; indiference and spiritual sluggishness are cleaned; conscience takes form and is purified; our spiritual life is better and grace increases under the sacrament. To grow in God's love, a confession done frequently and in a good mood is very useful.

 Curso de Catequesis. Don Jaime Pujol Balcells y Don Jesús Sancho Bielsa. EUNSA. Navarra. 1982. Reproduced with the permission of the authors.

  C. There are 5 true sentences and 3 false ones. Choose the right ones.

   Questions from the catechism

 1. How can we obtain absolution for sins commited after the baptism?  The absolution for sins commited after the baptism can be obtained by the sacrament of penance.

 2. When we receive the sacrament of Penance?  We receive the sacrament of Penance when we make a good confession and receive absolution.

 3. Who has the power to forgive sins?  The Pope, bishops and authorized priests have the power to forgive sins.

 4. Which are the effects of the sacrament of Penance?  The effects of the sacrament of penance are the reconciliation with God and the Church, the remission of the eternal and temporal punishment- at least partially- the peace and serenity of conscience and the aid for avoiding relapse in sin.

 5. Which is the Church's second commandment?  The Church's second commandment is: to confess mortal sins at least once a year, in danger of death and before receiving Holy Communion.

 6. Who are forced by the second commandment of the Church?  The second commandment of the Church forces all Christians who have reached the age of reason and are in mortal sin.

   D. Choose the right answer. Options are below

   Intentions for a Christian life

 - We must show great love and fondness for the sacrament of Penance.

 - To be determined to receive it frequently and in a proper mood.

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