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CHICAGO STUDIES
as an act of worship tends to raise sacramental reconciliation to a new level of integrity. It is risky business, to be sure, when the function of the sacrament more inclines it to be psychological rather than liturgical. This sacrament and its operation should be at the service of the spiritual nature of man and his ecclesial and interpersonal relationship to God and his Church, not employed in the service of psychology. These remarks should not be construed as attacking or demeaning the value of other sciences in themselves or as they find employment in the service of the Church for the good of souls. The purpose of this paper is to call attention to a potential crisis. The identity of Penance is what is at stake here. This sacrament cannot be defined in terms of effective psychology. Therefore, a proper separation between the two is required in the sacramental area of Church life. For this reason theologians of differing disciplines should see their way clear to investigate this matter further, coming up with some theological, canonical and pastoral-liturgical conclusions which can aid the magisterium, with an enlightened and open heart, to determine properly the future form of Penance and insure its identity.