Perfect Contrition

God is merciful and wants to grant forgiveness to us. In the Sacrament of Reconciliation, we go before a priest, express contrition or sorrow for our sins, confess our sins (mortal sins in name and number along with any venial sins) and resolve not to repeat them.

While you might not be able to physically receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation right now, especially if you are in an at-risk group, you can still examine your conscience and ask the Holy Spirit to show where you need to let the light of Christ into your life. You can make an Act of Perfect Contrition now and be forgiven of your sins with the intent to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation at your first, Covid-19 restriction-free opportunity. The key is that you must still come to the Sacrament of Reconciliation once you are able.

Contrition is “sorrow of the soul and detestations for the sin committed, together with the resolution not to sin again. (CCC 1451) There are two kinds of Contrition, Perfect and Imperfect. Perfect Contrition is complete contrition, and perfect comes from the Latin word perfecta which means having been finished or completed. “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. Imperfect Contrition “is also a gift of God, a prompting of the Holy Spirit. It is born of the consideration of sin's ugliness or the fear of eternal damnation and the other penalties threatening the sinner (contrition of fear).” (CCC1453)

Here are two resources for you.

• A “how to guide” on making an Act of Perfect Contrition”
• An examination of conscience to help you gather your thoughts before you make the Perfect Act of Contrition