Q. 1. If a Catholic is properly disposed to receive the Sacrament of Confession, what are the effects of this Sacrament does he receive?

A. 1. When worthily received, the effects of the Sacrament of Penance are:

a. The restoration or increase of sanctifying grace;

b. The forgiveness of sins;

c. The remission of the eternal punishment, if necessary, and also of part, at least, of the temporal punishment, due to our sins;

d. The help to avoid sin in the future;

e. The restoration of the merits of our good works if they have been lost by mortal sin.

[Source: The New Saint Joseph Baltimore Catechism; # 382]