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Period: 1 CE to 600
First to the Sixth Century
The big development made then was how a baptised person would be forgiven
Private confession to the bishop
Enrolment into the Order of Penitents
Wearing sackcloth and ashes as a sign of repentance
Exclusion from the Eucharist after the Liturgy of the Word
Performing long and severe penances
Community prayer for them and encouragement for them in their efforts
Public acceptance back into the community when
the bishop laid his hands on them and welcomed them
back to the Eucharist on Holy Thursday -
Period: 601 to 800
Seventh and Eighth Centuries
In this period, many Christians moved to monastaries in order to live 'truly christian' lives. They sought to further their relationship with God. Some of these people had committed extremely bad sinds and were seekers of forgiveness. Eventually, this lead to the monks hearing private confessionals, similar to what priests do today. Originally, penances were designed to help someone overcome sinful habits, rather than as punishment. A book called 'The Penitential' was made to help priests. -
Period: 801 to 1100
Ninth to Eleventh Century
By this time penance had become associated with punishment for sins people had committed. Absolution, which is God's ultimate forgiveness, was now done before the penance rather than after like previously. -
Period: 1101 to
Twelfth Century to Vatican II
During this period the modern Rite of Penance evolved. The main things that were changed are:
The rite was named Confession, and the telling of one's sins became priority over changing your life and habits. Penence became shorter - usually a breif prayer. It was now important to feel bad about your sins rather than changing. You needed to be contrite. During this time going to confession became a fearful experience, rather than something associated with Jesus. It became a private celebration. -
Period: to
1960s to Present
At this time there was widespread dissatisfaction among Catholics with this rite. Particpation fell dramatically, and among clergy there was a feeling of urgency to 'modernise' the sacrament. They decided they needed to change the rite. Following revisions of the rite, empahsis was now placed on the themes of recconciliation, community and the healing Christ working throughout the church. Rather than the preist being a faceless observer, he was the guidance and a fellow sinner for the person.