The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches us the seven effects of this wonderful Sacrament of forgiveness, healing, restauration and elevations of our souls.  It is important that we learn these effects as to deeply value this Sacrament and for us to seek to receive it with great longing and gratitude.

CCCC 310 – What are the effects of the Sacrament in the soul? 

There are Seven:

[1] Reconciliation with God and the forgiveness of sins

[2] reconciliation with the Church [No sin is ever private! Sin even if committed by a person has communal and social consequences

[3] recovery of the state of grace

[4] remission of the eternal punishment merited by mortal sins

[5] remission in part of the temporal punishment which is the consequence of sin

[6] peace, serenity of conscience and spiritual consolation

[7] an increase of spiritual strength for the struggle of Christian living.

For more information, please see:

The Catechism of the Catholic Church

Reconciliation and Penance - Encyclical Letter by St. John Paul II

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