24. THE SACRAMENTS OF HEALING

24. THE SACRAMENTS OF HEALING THROUGH THE SACRAMENTS OF PENANCE AND THE ANOINTING OF THE SICK THE CHURCH CONTINUES CHRIST'S HEALING MINISTRY Compendium 295-320 James 5:14-15 Although Baptism gives us a new life in grace, there is still a tendency to sin "concupiscence" as a result of the Fall. Mortal sin separates us from God and venial sin weakens our relationship with him and one another. The Sacrament of Reconciliation restores those relationships. We can show our sincere repentance for sin through prayer, fasting and giving alms. We cannot receive the Eucharist if we commit mortal sin until we go to Confession. The confession of venial sins helps us to grow in virtue and resist temptation. We prepare for confession by examining our conscience with the Ten Commandments and the Beatitudes. Confession removes eternal punishment and reduces temporal punishment due to sin. Indulgences can further reduce or eliminate temporal punishment for ourselves and the souls in purgatory. This Sacrament also brings peace, serenity and joy. General Absolution without individual confession is only used in grave emergencies. The Anointing of the hands and forehead with holy oil of the sick and aged unites them to the suffering, death and resurrection of Christ and forgives sins if they are not able to confess. It can often help physical healing.