"An indulgence is a remission before God of the temporal punishment due to sins whose guilt has already been forgiven." An indulgence is partial or plenary accordingly as it removes either part or all of the temporal punishment due to sin. Indulgences may be applied to the living or the dead.

To understand this doctrine and practice of indulgences, it is necessary to understand that sin has a double consequence. Every sin, even venial, entails an unhealthy attachment to creatures, which must be purified wither here on earth, or after death in the state called Purgatory. This purification frees one from what is called "temporal punishment" of sin. A conversion which proceeds from a fervent charity can attain the complete purification of the sinner in such a way that no punishment would remain.

This special indulgence of the Holy Year may be gained, when in the context and mode of a spiritual journey, a pilgrimage is made by individuals or a group to the church or shrines in the Archdiocese designated by the Cardinal Archbishop. Our community will make a pilgrimage to the shrine of the soon-to-be-canonized Blessed Katherine Drexel in September.

The plenary indulgence of the Jubilee can also be gained through actions which express in a practical and generous way the penitential spirit which is, as it were, the heart of the Jubilee. This would include the following:

Abstaining for at least one whole day from unnecessary consumption (e.g., alcohol or smoking)

Fasting or practicing abstinence according to the general rules of the Church.

Donating money to the poor.

Supporting by a significant commitment, works of a religious or social nature, especially for the benefit of abandoned children, young people in trouble, the elderly in need, or the visiting of those in prison.

Devoting a suitable portion of personal free time to activities which benefit the community, such as the Patrician food cupboard or other similar forms of personal sacrifice.

And more...