Which sacrament is the forgiveness of sins?

• A. Reconciliation
• B. Baptism
• C. Matrimony
• D. Virtue

Answer: (A)

Forgiveness of sins is addressed in the sacrament of Reconciliation, also called Confession. In this practice, a person acknowledges their sins to a priest, expresses true contrition, and receives absolution, which restores the grace lost through sin and reconciles the person with God and the church. A part of the rite is performing a penance to repair the harm caused by sin and to strengthen the resolve to avoid sin in the future. It’s helpful to note that Baptism also cleanses sins—especially original sin and sins before baptism—but it is a one-time initiation, whereas Reconciliation is the ordinary way Catholics receive forgiveness for sins committed after Baptism. Matrimony deals with the sacred bond of marriage, and Virtue refers to good habits of moral character, not a sacrament for forgiveness.