Conversion is the first step in the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation, during which we recognize that we have sinned and are sorry for our actions.
Confession
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Confession is the second step in the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation, during which we confess our sins to a priest, who acts in the Person of Christ, and pray an Act of Contrition.
Satisfaction
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Satisfaction is the third step in the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation, during which the priest gives us a penance to make up for our sins. We must do our penance as soon as we can after our Confession.
Absolution
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Absolution is the fourth step in the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation, during which the priest prays the prayer of absolution, forgiving our sins in Jesus’ name and welcoming us back into communion with the Church.
Contrition
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Contrition means sorrow. During the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation, we express true sorrow for our sins by praying an Act of Contrition after we have confessed our sins to the priest.