St. Elizabeth Ann Seton

Catholic Parish

  • Home
  • Prayer Request
  • Give
  • Contact Us
  • About Us
  • Get Involved
  • New Here
  • Events
  • Blog
  • Youth
Pastoral Staff

History of Penance and Sacrament of Reconciliation

April 7, 2017 by Pastoral Staff

Penance was instituted by Christ after the resurrection when he breathed on the disciples and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.” ~John 20:23

In the early Church, confession and penance were very public affairs. If a person committed a grave sin, they would ask the bishop for penance and would publicly live as a penitent, meaning they did not receive communion and spent much time in prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. Sometimes this penance would last for years until the person would be forgiven and allowed to return to normal Christian life. At this time, penance could only be done once in a lifetime.

A new way for celebrating this Sacrament came to us from the Celtic or Anglo-Saxon peoples. The once-a-lifetime limit was lifted. The sin itself was kept secret and even though the penance could last for years, the penitent would be given absolution in advance. At this point, we have the beginnings of our current celebration of the Sacrament: confession, absolution, and then doing the penance.  Formally, the Sacrament was refined in 1215 & in the 1400-1500s, the councils of Florence and Trent more precisely defined the nature and Sacrament of Reconciliation.

Source and excerpts from: www.ancient-future.net and Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church.

Filed Under: Blog

From Facebook

Comments Box SVG iconsUsed for the like, share, comment, and reaction icons

St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish

8 hours ago

St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish

Prepare your heart to hear God’s messages for you by reading or listening to the Gospel beforehand. Click below link.
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/011721.cfm
... See MoreSee Less

Link thumbnail

Second Sunday in Ordinary Time | USCCB

bible.usccb.org

Daily Bible Readings, Podcast Audio and Videos and Prayers brought to you by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.
View on Facebook
·Share

Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on Linked InShare by Email

  • Likes: 2
  • Shares: 0
  • Comments: 0

Comment on Facebook

New to St. Elizabeth Ann Seton?

Whatever stage of life’s journey you find yourself in, we invite you to join us.

Learn More

Mass Times

WEEKEND MASSES
Saturday: 4:15 p.m.
Sunday: 8:30 a.m. & 10:30 a.m.

WEEKDAY MASSES
Monday: No Mass
Tuesday, 8:00 a.m.
Wednesday: 8:00 a.m.
Thursday: 8:00 a.m.
Friday: 8:00 a.m.
DISTRIBUTION OF COMMUNION ONLY
Sundays from 11:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Reconciliation
Saturdays from 3:00 to 3:40 p.m.

About us

Vision Our Patron Saint Sacraments Adoration Contact Us

Get Involved

Buildings & Grounds Dignity of Life Faith-Formation Committee Faith in Action Finance Council Human Resources Knights of Columbus Ministries Multi-Media Parish Life Committee Pastoral Council Stewardship Women's Guild Worship

New Here

Seeking Holiness Connect with Our Community

Youth and Education

Religious Education Youth Ministry Learning Institutions
ST. ELIZABETH ANN SETON PARISH

2771 Oakwood Drive, Green Bay WI 54304

1-920-499-1546 ~ email: seas@seasgb.org

  • Facebook
  • Youtube
MENU
  • About Us
    • Vision
    • Adoration
    • Our Patron Saint
    • Office Hours
  • New Here
  • Get Involved
  • Youth and Education
  • Give
  • Online Prayer Request
  • Blog
  • Contact Us