Which Sacrament offers forgiveness of sins through the ministry of a priest?

Which Sacrament offers forgiveness of sins through the ministry of a priest?

• A. Baptism
• B. Sacrament of Reconciliation
• C. Holy Communion
• D. Anointing of the Sick

Answer: (B)

Forgiveness of sins through a priest happens most clearly in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. In this sacrament, a person confesses sins to a priest, expresses true contrition, and performs a chosen penance. The priest then grants absolution, acting in the person of Christ and the Church, which forgives the sins and restores the relationship with God and with the community. Baptism also forgives sins, but its forgiveness comes through the waters of baptism and the Holy Spirit, not through the priest’s absolution in confession. Holy Communion is about receiving Christ in the Eucharist, not about forgiving sins. Anointing of the Sick offers grace and healing, and it can include forgiveness of sins when someone is unable to confess, but the explicit, primary act of forgiving sins through a priest is found in Reconciliation.

Forgiveness of sins through a priest happens most clearly in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. In this sacrament, a person confesses sins to a priest, expresses true contrition, and performs a chosen penance. The priest then grants absolution, acting in the person of Christ and the Church, which forgives the sins and restores the relationship with God and with the community.

Baptism also forgives sins, but its forgiveness comes through the waters of baptism and the Holy Spirit, not through the priest’s absolution in confession. Holy Communion is about receiving Christ in the Eucharist, not about forgiving sins. Anointing of the Sick offers grace and healing, and it can include forgiveness of sins when someone is unable to confess, but the explicit, primary act of forgiving sins through a priest is found in Reconciliation.