What are the essential elements of the Sacrament of Penance, and the penitent’s obligation?

• A. Absolution alone suffices; no confession required.
• B. Confession to a priest and priestly absolution only.
• C. Contrition, confession to a priest, and penance; the penitent must confess mortal sins in kind and number.
• D. Contrition and penance only; no confession required.

Answer: (C)

The essential elements of the Sacrament of Penance are contrition, confession to a priest, and penance (satisfaction). These acts by the penitent together with the absolution pronounced by the priest complete the sacrament. Contrition is the sincere sorrow for sins and the resolve to avoid sin in the future. Confession to a priest is the disclosure of sins, at least mortal sins, to receive forgiveness within the Church. Penance is the actions or prayers prescribed to repair the harm caused by sin and to express conversion.

The penitent’s obligation flows from these elements: one must confess mortal sins in kind and number to the extent known. This precise confession ensures that the gravity of sin is fully acknowledged and that the sacramental forgiveness is given with proper restitution and accountability. The penance given should be performed, and the penitent should strive for ongoing amendment of life. Without any of these pieces—contrition, confession, or penance—the sacrament would not be complete, and absolution alone does not constitute the full rite.