The Sacrament of Penance (Reconciliation)

The Catechism of the Catholic Church, (CCC), tells us that sin is before all else an offense against God, a rupture of communion with Him (nn. 1448-1459). At the same time it damages communion with the Church. Hence conversion (metanoia) entails both God’s forgiveness and reconciliation with the Church, which are expressed and accomplished by the sacrament of penance.