Part III: Lesson 30

Question 1

175. What is contrition?

Answer 1

Contrition is sincere sorrow for having offended God, and hatred for the sins we have committed, with a firm purpose of sinning no more.

Question 2

176. Why should we have contrition for mortal sin?

Answer 2

We should have contrition for mortal sin because it is the greatest of all evils, gravely offends God, keeps us out of heaven, and condemns us forever to hell.

Question 3

177. Why should we have contrition for venial sin?

Answer 3

We should have contrition for venial sin because it is displeasing to God, merits temporal punishment, and may lead to mortal sin.

Question 4

178. How many kinds of contrition are there?

Answer 4

There are two kinds of contrition: perfect contrition and imperfect contrition.

Question 5

179. When is our contrition perfect?

Answer 5

Our contrition is perfect when we are sorry for our sins because sin offends God, whom we love above all things for his own sake.

Question 6

180. When is our contrition imperfect?

Answer 6

Our contrition is imperfect when we are sorry for our sins because they are hateful in themselves or because we fear God’s punishment.

Question 7

181. To receive the sacrament of Penance worthily, what kind of contrition is sufficient?

Answer 7

To receive the sacrament of Penance worthily, imperfect contrition is sufficient.

Question 8

182. What should we do if we commit a mortal sin?

Answer 8

If we commit a mortal sin, we should make an act of perfect contrition at once and go to confession as soon as we can.

Question 9

183. May we receive Holy Communion after commiting a mortal sin if we merely make an act of perfect contrition?

Answer 9

We may not receive Holy Communion after commiting a mortal sin if we merely make an act of perfect contrition; one who has sinned grievously must go to confession before receiving Holy Communion.