The sacrament of reconciliation is a sacrament of healing. The word reconciliation means ‘to be at peace again’. Catholics believe that they must seek to obtain forgiveness in the hope that ...

When a priest, in accordance with the law, absolves a penitent from such a censure outside the sacrament ... RCC, Rite of Penance, 21 and 44. 4. Cf. RCC, Rite of Penance, Appendix I, 1-2.