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Period: 1 CE to 600
First to Sixth Century
The early followers of Jesus associated the forgiveness of sin with Baptism. There was a big question as to what was to be done with people who have sinned after baptism and wanted to be forgiven. Then the Order of Penitents was created and consisted of:
1. Private confession to the bishop.
3. Wearing sackcloth and ashes as a sign of repentance.
4. Exclusion from the Eucharist.
5. Performing severe penances.
6. Community prayer.
7. Public acceptance back into the community. -
Period: 600 to 799
Seventh and Eighth Century
Around this time, Christians would come to monasteries to ask how to live better lives. They sought help for living better lives and growing closer to God. Some people sought forgiveness for their sins and the monks gave them tips on how they could live better lives. This lead to the Rite of Penance being created. There was also a book created to help the priests called the Penitential. -
Period: 800 to 1100
Ninth to Eleventh Century
At this time, penance was now linked to forgiving sins. God's forgiveness was now given immediately after the confession and penance - doing something to make up for a sin - would be carried out later. -
Period: 1100 to
Twelfth Century to Vatican I1
This was the time period in which the Rite of Penance that is still around now was developed. Penance was now called the Sacrament of Confession and was more about telling God about your sins rather than making up for them. Penance would be a lot less severe and would often just be a couple of prayers. A lot of people feared the Sacrament and did not feel like they were encountering the Forgiveness of Jesus. -
Period: to
1960s to Present Day
At this point the people were dissatisfied with how the Sacrament of Penance was conducted. They thought that it was too strict and too outdated for the modern world. The people participating in penances was dropping fast and the Church decided to do something about it. They decided to revise the Sacrament of Penance in 1974 to be more in line with the modern world. Officially the sacrament is called the Sacrament of Penance. However, the emphasis is placed on reconciliation and forgiveness. -
The Sacrament of Penance Was Revised
In this revision of the sacrament, the sacrament became more about forgiveness of your sins, growing closer to God and the healing of Christ. Priests would now be guides rather than judges and would help you experience the mercy of God.