Course 2, Chapter 41: Of union with our Lord, the new Adam, by Communion. — Penance continued

1. What are the effects of the sacrament of penance?

These are the effects of the sacrament of penance: 1st, it remits all the sins committed after baptism; 2d, it remits the eternal punishment due to sin and some-

times even the temporal punishment; 3d, it restores the merit of good works.

2. What are the essential dispositions for receiving the sacrament of penance?

The essential dispositions for receiving the sacrament of penance, are instructions and the acts of the penitent, contrition, confession and satisfaction. In order to receive this sacrament with more fruit, we must have a lively faith, a great confidence, a profound humility and a sincere gratitude.

3. Is the sacrament of penance necessary?

The sacrament of penance is necessary for those who fall into mortal sin after baptism, as baptism is for those who have not received it.

4. What are the prayers and ceremonies that accompany confession?

On entering the confessional, the penitent kneels down, makes the sign of the cross, to remind him that the Son of God has died for him, and then he says: Bless me, father, for I have sinned.

5. Why does the penitent call his confessor father?

The penitent calls his confessor father, 1st, because it is he who is to restore him to the life of grace; 2d, to excite in him those sentiments of compassion and charity which he hopes to find in him; 3d, to show his confidence and obedience.

6. What does the confessor do?

The confessor asks of God to grant the penitent the grace to make a sincere and good confession.

7. What does the penitent do then?

The penitent says the Confiteor, as far as the words, throunh my fault. The Confiteor is a confession by which the 'penitent calls upon God and the saints to hear the acknowledgment of his faults, in order to humble himself and render them propitious.

8. By what is the Confiteor followed?

The Confiteor is followed by an exact confession or' all fault. After this the penitent strikes his breast*

224 CATECHISM OF PERSEVERANCE.

in sio;n of grief and says: Through my fault, through my fault, through my most grievous fault!

9. What prayers does the confessor say?

The confessor says two prayers to obtain pardon for the sins of the penitent. He then points out the means of avoiding sin for the future, imposes the penance, and if he finds him properly disposed gives him absolution.

10. Is the sacrament of penance very beneficial to man and to society?

The sacrament of penance is very beneficial to man; it instructs, encourages, consoles, and restores him to peace; and to society, by preventing many crimes and repairing many disorders.