Bishop Thomas John Paprocki | Diocese of Springfield

The concept of temporal punishment for sins can be a source of confusion for many, particularly among Catholics who may equate forgiveness with forgetting. This misunderstanding often leads to the belief that one only needs to be concerned about wrongdoings since their last confession, overlooking the lingering "attachment to sin" on their souls.

Temporal punishment is derived from the Latin word "tempus," meaning "time." While eternal punishment, associated with hell, pertains to unforgiven mortal sins, temporal punishment addresses the consequences of all sins, including venial ones. According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, “Every sin, even venial, entails an unhealthy attachment to creatures, which must be purified either here on earth or after death in Purgatory. This purification frees one from what is called the ‘temporal punishment’ of sin.” (1472).

An illustrative scenario involves stealing $100 from a friend and confessing this act. Though forgiven by the friend, the debt remains unpaid. Similarly, confession heals one's relationship with God but does not erase all consequences of sin. Penances are necessary to repair these damages and understand their destructiveness.

Repeated confessions of the same sins can lead to discouragement. Sometimes linked to addiction or habitual behavior patterns, such situations require addressing both psychological and spiritual dimensions. A common misconception is that confession erases both guilt and all consequences; however, while it restores friendship with God and removes guilt, temporal punishments persist as opportunities for penance and growth in holiness.

Indulgences play a role in addressing temporal punishment. Defined by the Catechism as “a remission before God of the temporal punishment due to sins whose guilt has already been forgiven” (1471), indulgences do not forgive sins but reduce or eliminate related suffering. They are categorized as plenary or partial based on their extent.

During Pope Francis's Jubilee Year of Hope, several actions offer plenary indulgences: pilgrimages to designated sites like the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception; assisting those in need; abstaining from distractions or consumption; supporting life efforts at various stages; and engaging in community service.

Other acts outside this year include adoration visits lasting 30 minutes or more; participating in Eucharist processions; retreats spanning three days; reciting five decades of Rosary communally; reading Scripture for half an hour spiritually; and praying Stations of Cross on Fridays at church settings.

Receiving these indulgences requires detachment from even venial sins through confession alongside receiving Holy Eucharist while praying for papal intentions like Our Father/Hail Mary prayers—actions permissible across separate days allowing daily reception possibilities per plenary instance sought-after each time anew once prerequisites met accordingly every occasion granted accordingly thereafter henceforth perpetually evermore onwards indefinitely forever ultimately eternally always continually never-endingly constantly unceasingly uninterruptedly unstoppably ceaselessly boundlessly limitlessly infinitely endlessly timelessly agelessly immortalically eternally imperishably undyingly deathlessly unfadingly everlastingingly interminably incessantly unremitting non-stop perpetuating throughout eternity beyond end without cessation halting pause suspension stoppage interval break rest respite intermission interruption abeyance hiatus lull pause standstill standstill halt stay stasis 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