Penance

Penance has three related, but distinct, meanings:

• the confession of sins to a clergyman in order to receive absolution.
• the punishment by which one atones for sins committed by himself or others.
• the private personal repentance to God of one's own sins.

See also

• Repentance
• Sacraments in the Roman Catholic Church
  • Baptism
  • Eucharist - First Holy Communion
  • Confession
  • Confirmation
  • Holy Orders for Priests and Monks
  • Marriage
  • Anointing of the Sick