RCIA Resource – Session 34

Penance — Forgiveness and Restoration After Baptism

RCIA – Session 34
This session forms part of a structured introduction to the Catholic Faith used in parish RCIA. It is intended to be read slowly and prayerfully, alongside participation in the life of the Church. This material is offered for formation and reflection. Reception into the Catholic Church always involves personal discernment and parish accompaniment.

Aim of this session

By the end of this session, participants should understand that:

  • sin can still be committed after Baptism
  • Christ instituted a sacrament for forgiveness after Baptism
  • absolution is real and effective
  • confession restores grace and peace
  • mercy does not deny truth or responsibility

This session asks:

What happens when the baptised fall into sin — and how does Christ restore us?

1. The Reality of Sin After Baptism

Baptism:

  • forgives all sin
  • gives new life
  • makes us children of God

But it does not:

  • remove freedom
  • eliminate temptation
  • guarantee perseverance

The Church is honest about this.

The baptised can still:

  • sin
  • fall seriously
  • wound their relationship with God

This is not failure of Baptism.
It is the reality of freedom.

2. God Did Not Leave Us Without Remedy

Christ knew:

  • human weakness
  • the danger of despair
  • the need for restoration

He did not say:

“Begin again with Baptism”

He instituted a new sacrament.

This sacrament exists because:

God’s mercy continues after Baptism.

3. What the Sacrament of Penance Is

Penance is:

The sacrament by which sins committed after Baptism are forgiven through the absolution of the priest.

It is not:

  • counselling
  • self-forgiveness
  • a symbolic declaration

It is a real act of Christ forgiving through His Church.

Penny Catechism

Q. What is the sacrament of Penance?
A. Penance is the sacrament by which sins committed after Baptism are forgiven.

4. Christ Gave Authority to Forgive Sins

Christ did not leave forgiveness to:

  • private prayer alone
  • personal feeling

He gave authority:

  • to His apostles
  • to their successors

This authority is exercised publicly in the Church.

When the priest absolves:

  • Christ forgives
  • grace is restored

The priest is an instrument.
Christ is the forgiver.

5. The Effects of Penance

The sacrament of Penance:

  • forgives sin
  • restores grace
  • reconciles the sinner with God
  • reconciles the sinner with the Church

It also:

  • brings peace
  • strengthens against future sin
  • forms humility

Penny Catechism

Q. What are the effects of the sacrament of Penance?
A. The effects of the sacrament of Penance are the forgiveness of sins, the restoration of grace, and peace of conscience.

6. The Parts of Penance

The sacrament involves:

  • contrition (sorrow for sin)
  • confession (telling sins honestly)
  • absolution (forgiveness given by Christ)
  • satisfaction (penance assigned)

These are not obstacles.
They are healing steps.

Sorrow is not fear of punishment.
It is hatred of sin because it offends God.

7. Mortal and Venial Sin

The Church distinguishes between:

  • venial sin, which weakens charity
  • mortal sin, which destroys it

Mortal sin requires:

  • grave matter
  • full knowledge
  • deliberate consent

Mortal sin:

  • separates the soul from God
  • requires sacramental confession

Venial sin:

  • can be forgiven in many ways
  • but confession still helps heal and strengthen

8. Why Confession Is Necessary

Some ask:

“Why confess to a priest?”

Because:

  • sin is personal and ecclesial
  • forgiveness must be certain
  • Christ chose this means

Confession:

  • names the wound
  • applies the remedy
  • restores communion

Mercy becomes concrete.

9. Common Difficulties Addressed

“Isn’t confession embarrassing?”

Humility heals pride.

“Why not confess directly to God?”

We do — through the means God chose.

“What if I confess the same sins?”

Grace works gradually; perseverance matters.

10. What Is Being Asked of You Now

At this stage, you are not asked to:

  • feel worthy
  • overcome fear instantly

You are asked to consider this:

If Christ offers forgiveness after failure, do I trust His mercy enough to receive it?

That question prepares the way for healing in sickness and death.

11. Questions for the Week

Reflect quietly during the week:

  • How do I respond to my own failures?
  • Do I avoid mercy out of fear or pride?
  • What does forgiveness mean in practice?

12. Closing Summary

Sin does not have the final word.
Christ does.

The sacrament of Penance:

  • restores grace
  • heals the soul
  • renews peace

It is a sacrament of truth and mercy.

Next week we will ask:

How does Christ strengthen and heal us in sickness and at the approach of death?

Optional Closing Prayer

Merciful Lord,
You know our weakness and our need for forgiveness.
Give us humility to confess our sins,
and trust in the mercy You freely offer.
Amen.