Pius X Catechism – The Effects and the Necessity of the Sacrament of Penance and the Dispositions to Receive It Properly

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Q1: Which are the effects of the sacrament of Penance?

A1: The sacrament of Penance confers sanctifying grace by which are remitted the mortal sins and also the venial sins which we confess and for which we are sorry; it changes eternal punishment into temporal punishment, of which it even remits more or less according to our dispositions; it revives the merits of the good works done before committing mortal sin; it gives the soul aid in due time against falling into sin again, and it restores peace of conscience.

Q2: Is the sacrament of Penance necessary to all for salvation?

A2: The sacrament of Penance is necessary for salvation to all who have committed a mortal sin after Baptism.

Q3: Is it a good thing to go to confession often?

A3: Yes, it is an excellent thing to go to confession often, because the sacrament of Penance, besides taking away sin, gives the graces necessary to avoid sin in the future.

Q4: Has the sacrament of Penance the power of remitting all sins, no matter how numerous or how great they are?

A4: The sacrament of Penance has the power of remitting all sins no matter how numerous and great they are, provided it is received with the requisite dispositions.

Q5: How many conditions are necessary to make a good confession?

A5: To make a good confession five things are necessary: (1) Examination of conscience; (2) Sorrow for having offended God; (3) A resolution of sinning no more; (4) Confession of our sins; (5) Satisfaction or penance.

Q6: What should we do first of all to make a good confession?

A6: To make a good confession we should first of all earnestly beseech God to give us light to know all our sins and strength to detest them.