[knarf]

Repentence is not an act, but changeing your mind.

If I am a theif and I like to steal, I feel no compunction nor academic reason to stop

Repentence is coming to the realization I'm wrong to steal (a change of mind .. direction)

Repentence alone does no good unless you direct your repentent heart and desire(s) towards someone that can help you FROM where you are.

[Salvation]

Repentance is an act. It means getting down on your knees and asking forgiveness. Haven’t you ever asked for forgiveness from your spouse? Parent? Friend?

For Catholic repentance means getting down on our knees too and confessing our sins to another human being. We have a better deal than you do, for the priest is acting as Christ, alter Christus, the power five to him at his ordination that goes all the way back to Christ breathing on the Apostles and telling them that they can forgive or hold bound sins.

[Salvation]

Catechism of the Catholic Church

 

1449 The formula of absolution used in the Latin Church expresses the essential elements of this sacrament: the Father of mercies is the source of all forgiveness. He effects the reconciliation of sinners through the Passover of his Son and the gift of his Spirit, through the prayer and ministry of the Church:

 

God, the Father of mercies,
through the death and the resurrection of his Son
has reconciled the world to himself
and sent the Holy Spirit among us
for the forgiveness of sins;
through the ministry of the Church
may God give you pardon and peace,
and I absolve you from your sins in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.