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I would say that it very well may be possible ... that one cannot make up for one's sin ... beyond returning the loot, that is ... ;^) I would say that what one is called to, ... after repentance and forgiveness, ... is a forward walk with God, ... asking God for direction ... and following in the way in which He leads. Much prayer.

And I would say that the Church, in the sacrament, can speak for the hurt that the public has taken because of one's sins, and reconcile the two. How can one know what the public, the community of believers needs for reconciliation if one does not ask?

God knows ...

Isn't this a fundamental issue? Either you believe the community of believers is a party to your transgressions and to your reconciliation, or you believe it is entirely a private matter.

Aren't there examples in Scripture of people being set outside of the community because of their transgressions? Doesn't Jesus tell us (Matt 18) that we should look to the church to arbitrate disagreements and the Church should treat "as you would a tax collector" those who do not abide by the Church's decision?

If one can throw a believer out, is it not logical that the same body has the ability to reconcile with those who show contrition?

I'm not saying you have to believe in priests or hocus pocus. Just taking the Church as a group, a society, there has to be some mechanism there for acceepting and rejecting members.