RECONCILITION: "The sacramental celebration in which, through God's mercy and forgiveness, the sinner is reconciled with God and also with the Church, Christ's Body, which is wounded by sin (1422, 144201445, 1468)."

PENANCE: "Interior penance: a conversion of heart toward God and away from sin, which implies the intention to change one's life because of hope in divine mercy (1431). External acts of penance include fasting, prayer, and almsgiving (1434). The observance of certain penitential practices is obliged by the fourth precept of the Church (2043)."

CONTRITION: "Sorrow of the soul and hatred for the sin committed, together with a resolution not to sin again. Contrition is themost important act of the penitent, and is necessary for the reception of the Sacrament of Penance (1451).

Catechism of the Catholic Church

"Jesus said to them again, 'Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.' And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, 'Receive the holy Spirit. Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained.'” John 20:21-23