What is an
An “Indulgence” is a means that allows for the Church, through the power given to Her by
Jesus Christ (cf. Mt 16:18-19; Mt 18:18), to reduce the effects of sins already forgiven.
The Church grants indulgences for certain specific prayers or pious actions, such as pilgrimages
or visits to specially designated sites during a Jubilee Year.
One can receive either a partial indulgence, which takes away part of the temporal punishment
due to sins – that is, the purification that we undergo to become more fully prepared to be
in union with God – or one can receive a plenary indulgence, which takes away all
of the temporal punishment due to sins already forgiven but whose effects remain.
Indulgences can be applied either to oneself or to the faithfully departed souls in Purgatory.
How to Gain the
To learn more about Indulgences, please read sections 1471-1473 of the Catechism of the Catholic
Church or go to www.diocesecc.org under the “Year of Mercy” tab.
Our Holy Father Pope Francis has designated several acts by which the Jubilee Year Indulgence
can be obtained during this Holy Year. These include:
Designated Acts
 For all Catholics
1. making a Pilgrimage for a spiritual purpose to the Holy Doors at St. Peter’s Basilica, the
Holy Doors of the Diocesan Cathedral, or other pilgrimage sites designated by the
Diocesan Bishop, with recitation of a Profession of Faith (any form such as the Apostles’
Creed, Nicene Creed, etc.), along with the usual conditions listed below.
and/or
2. the performing one or more of the Corporal or Spiritual Works of Mercy, along with the
usual conditions listed below.
 For the sick and homebound—living the faith and joyful hope by receiving communion,
attending Holy Mass, or community prayer, even through the various means of
communications (e.g. radio, TV, internet, etc.), along with the usual conditions listed below.
 For the incarcerated—attending the chapel in the prison or directing their thoughts and
prayers to God the Father as they cross the threshold of their cells, along with the usual
conditions listed below.
Additional Conditions
In addition to the designated act, the usual conditions for gaining a plenary indulgence are:
1. Only one plenary indulgence can be gained per day, applied either to oneself or to the
faithfully departed souls in Purgatory;
2. One must receive Holy Communion and the Sacrament Reconciliation either 20 days
before or after the designated act (one reception of Holy Communion is required for
each act while one reception of the Sacrament of Reconciliation suffices for all acts
within the timeframe);
3. One must not be attached to any sin, even venial sin;
4. One must say prayers for the intention of the Holy Father (an Our Father and a Hail Mary
is recommended).
(See Manual on Indulgences, Norm 20)
For More Information Visit www.diocesecc.org