forgiveness of sins

[jezic]

is it found outside the the sacrament of Reconciliation?

[Fides_et_Ratio]

for venial sins, yes.

examples: Holy Communion, devoutly praying the Our Father, an act of Perfect Contrition, ...and I think there's some more.

[Brother Adam]

An act of perfect contrition forgives mortal as well as veniel sins so long as it is coupled with going to confession the next time it is available.

[Brother Adam]

"it also obtains forgiveness of mortal sins if it includes the firm resolution to have recourse to sacramental confession as soon as possible." CCC 1452

[Aloysius]

but an act of perfect contrition is something you can rarely, probably never, be fully sure of. it means that there is absolutely no other purpose in your repentance other than love of God, not even a smidgen of anything else made you sorry. so the only way to be sure of forgiveness for mortal sin is the Sacrament of Confession.

[jezic]

no i mean for like protestants/etc

[Brother Adam]

It is canon law that typically does not apply to Protestants (for instance two protestants can marry each other valid and sacramentally (Teresa and I did) without the permission of the Church or it even being witnessed by a priest. However, they don't get to 'play by their own rules'. Doctrine applies the same to them. There is something to be said about invincible ignorance, though there are plenty here who would trash the doctrine as only a 'pseudo-doctrine' that 'doesn't really apply to anyone' (though I completely disagree)

Edited June 25, 2005 by Brother Adam

[jasJis]

[quote]forgiveness of sins...
is it found outside the sacrament of Reconcilliation?[/quote] Only if in God's perfect wisdom and knowledge, He knows that you would have sought His forgiveness in Reconcilliation if you knew and understand and had the opportunity. Catholics have hope and trust in God's perfect Mercy for Protestants and others, and have faith in His perfect Justice in regards to those of us who know, understand, and have the opportunity to receive His Mercy in Reconcilliation.

[Cam42]

[quote name='CCC 1452']When it arises from a love by which God is loved above all else, contrition is called "perfect" (contrition of charity). Such contrition remits venial sins; it also obtains forgiveness of mortal sins if it includes the firm resolution to have recourse to sacramental confession as soon as possible.[/quote]

[quote name='CCC 1453']The contrition called "imperfect" (or "attrition") is also a gift of God, a prompting of the Holy Spirit. It is born of the consideration of sin's ugliness or the fear of eternal damnation and the other penalties threatening the sinner (contrition of fear). Such a stirring of conscience can initiate an interior process which, under the prompting of grace, will be brought to completion by sacramental absolution. By itself however, imperfect contrition cannot obtain the forgiveness of grave sins, but it disposes one to obtain forgiveness in the sacrament of Penance.[/quote]

Yes....there is forgiveness outside the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Baptism and Annointing of the Sick gain one forgiveness of sin, without Sacramental Confession.