There are mainly three conditions for the sacrament of Penance. First of all, the penitents should sincerely, honestly and knowingly acknowledge their sins. The second is the confession of the sins committed. Through a sincere confession, one receives absolution from sins. During the apostolic times, the faithful would make their confession by publicly telling each other about their sins. In the Epistle of James we read his exhortation "Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed" (5:16).

The final condition of Penance is restoration, and this is made chiefly by prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. Just as Zaccheus confessed his sins before Jesus Christ and promised to restore fourfold anything that he had taken from any man by false accusation (Luke 19, 1-10).

As a rule of the Church, it is obligatory to go to confession before Holy Communion. Most Christians do not commit serious sins, or mortal sins, which is the technical word for heavy sins. Nevertheless, we must confess our minor sins, too. When somebody claims not to have sins, he is lying. As the Scripture says, "If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us" (I John 1: 18).

Penance, therefore, is the Sacrament through which we receive that sanctifying grace for the soul which we have lost through sin. No matter how grave our sins may have been, they are forgiven if we make a sincere contrition and a good confession. "If we confess our sins, God is faithful and just, to forgive our sins and to cleanse us from all iniquity" (I John 1: 9).

The sacrament of Penance gives the penitent, in addition, a special strength by which he will overcome temptations and thus lead a good life.

The works of Penance act like a medicine; not only do they cure sins but also weaken the power of evil tendencies, giving new strength to the soul.