SUMMARY

1. Our sins build up a barrier which separates us from God.  Only God’s forgiveness can remove this barrier and unite us to himself again.

2. Before we can be forgiven we must be sorry (contrition), say we are sorry (confession), and mean to make a fresh start (purpose of amendment).

3. Jesus gives us forgiveness through the Sacrament of Reconciliation (Penance) (confession to a priest) which he instituted immediately after his Resurrection (John 20:22,23).