YOUCAT Question n. 232 - Part I. What must I bring to a confession?
(Youcat answer) Essential elements of
every confession are an examination of conscience, contrition, a purpose of
amendment, confession, and penance.
A deepening through CCC
(CCC 1450)
"Penance requires… the sinner to endure all things willingly, be contrite
of heart, confess with the lips, and practice complete humility and fruitful
satisfaction" (Roman Catechism II, V, 21; cf. Council of Trent (1551): DS
1673). (CCC 1451) Among the penitent's acts contrition occupies first place.
Contrition is "sorrow of the soul and detestation for the sin committed,
together with the resolution not to sin again" (Council of Trent (1551):
DS 1676).
Reflecting and meditating
(Youcat comment) The examination of conscience should be done
thoroughly, but it can never be exhaustive. No one can be absolved from his sin
without real contrition, merely on the basis of “lip-service”. Equally
indispensable is the purpose of
amendment, the resolution not to commit
that sin again in the future. The sinner absolutely must declare the sin to the
confessor and, thus, confess to it. The final essential element of confession is
the atonement or penance that the confessor imposes on the sinner to make restitution
for the harm done.
(CCC Comment)
(CCC 1452)
When it arises from a love by which God is loved above all else, contrition is
called "perfect" (contrition of charity). Such contrition remits
venial sins; it also obtains forgiveness of mortal sins if it includes the firm
resolution to have recourse to sacramental confession as soon as possible (Cf.
Council of Trent (1551): DS 1677). (CCC 1454) The reception of this sacrament
ought to be prepared for by an examination
of conscience made in the light of the Word of God. The passages best
suited to this can be found in the moral catechesis of the Gospels and the
apostolic Letters, such as the Sermon on the Mount and the apostolic teachings
(Cf. Mt 5-7; Rom 12-15; 1 Cor 12-13; Gal 5; Eph 4-6; etc.).
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