Second, a Catholic must make a firm commitment to go to confession when that becomes possible.
Father Pietrzyk explained that an act of perfect contrition is not a replacement for the sacrament of penance- far from it.
"Even perfect contrition is never separated from the sacrament, at least in intention...if one makes a perfect act of contrition, it's not 'Oh, I don't have to go to confession any more.' Quite the opposite," Father Pietrzyk said.
"The person who says: 'I have perfect contrition, but I'm not going to the sacrament' does not in fact have perfect contrition," he said.
The sacrament of penance remains the sole, ordinary means for the forgiveness of mortal sins after baptism, Father Pietrzyk said. Contrition is about conversion, he said, which means turning away from attachment to sin, and turning toward the sacraments.
Pope Francis last week encouraged Catholics confined to their homes to ask God for forgiveness and then to go to confession when they are able.
"You do what the Catechism says. It is very clear: if you do not find a priest to hear your confession, speak to God, he is your father, and tell him the truth...Promise him: 'Later I will confess, but forgive me now.' And immediately you will return to the grace of God," Pope Francis said.
Jonah McKeown is a staff writer and podcast producer for Catholic News Agency. He holds a Master’s Degree from the University of Missouri School of Journalism and has worked as a writer, as a producer for public radio, and as a videographer. He is based in St. Louis.