The purpose of the sacrament is to reconcile sinners to God and the church, and to promote a life of conversion. The sacrament of reconciliation is rooted in the lifelong journey of conversion which is central to the baptismal commitment. penance/reconciliation is social and ecclesial* in its nature as well as its effects penance is an act of ecclesial* worship (as are all the sacraments) the deepest meaning of penance is conversion which goes beyond ritual to the whole of the Christian life