Catechumens

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What is the Sacrament of Penance?

Penance is a sacrament in which the sins committed after baptism are forgiven.

Kinkead’s explanation of the Baltimore Catechism · approved historical edition.

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Thomas L. Kinkead; sixth edition; Benziger Brothers, copyright 1891. Printed page 180, question 187.

Michael Augustine, Archbishop of New York; nihil obstat D. J. McMahon; 1891-09-05.

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What must we do to receive the Sacrament of Penance worthily?

To receive the Sacrament of Penance worthily we must do five things: (1) We must examine our conscience. (2) We must have sorrow for our sins. (3) We must make a firm resolution never more to offend God. (4) We must confess our sins to the priest. (5) We must accept the penance which the priest gives us.

Kinkead’s explanation of the Baltimore Catechism · approved historical edition.

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Thomas L. Kinkead; sixth edition; Benziger Brothers, copyright 1891. Printed page 183, question 191.

Michael Augustine, Archbishop of New York; nihil obstat D. J. McMahon; 1891-09-05.

The words are transcribed from the approved edition; line wrapping is normalized. This is a concise historical catechism answer, not a complete treatment of every related question. Original English, including older terms, is retained.

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Prayer text

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An Act of Contrition

O my God! I am heartily sorry for having offended Thee, and I detest all my sins, because I dread the loss of heaven and the pains of hell, but most of all because they offend Thee, my God, Who art all-good and deserving of all my love. I firmly resolve, with the help of Thy grace, to confess my sins, to do penance, and to amend my life.

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Thomas L. Kinkead; sixth edition; Benziger Brothers, copyright 1891. Printed page 32.

Michael Augustine, Archbishop of New York; nihil obstat D. J. McMahon; 1891-09-05.

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Fr. Mike’s Tips for Praying as a Busy Person

Ascension Presents · Fr. Mike Schmitz

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Practical encouragement for prayer amid work, family and a crowded day.

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How to Offer It Up

Ascension Presents · Fr. Mike Schmitz

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Connects ordinary difficulties and sacrifices with love of Christ and service of others.

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Fr. Mike’s Tips for Praying as a Busy Person

Ascension Presents · Fr. Mike Schmitz · exact title, publisher and access checked 2026-09-11.

How to Offer It Up

Ascension Presents · Fr. Mike Schmitz · exact title, publisher and access checked 2026-09-11.

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Gospel of Luke

Luke 15:11–32

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Ecclesiastical approval of Scripture

Gospel of Luke

Luke 15:11–32

2011 NABRE on the USCCB Bible website; private reading and study

USCCB; canonical rescript signed by Cardinal Francis George · 2010-09-30

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The text is read at its source. Ecclesiastical approval does not give Catechumens permission to reproduce it.

Scope of Catechumens commentary

Approval of a cited source does not extend to original commentary written by this app. Original religious lessons, explanations and prayers remain withheld until approval for those exact texts is documented.