Dear Parishioners,
Rejoice! We are beginning our third week of Advent, and the Church calls us to rejoice because we are almost done. We are preparing to meet Christ who comes to us, and that alone brings a sense of meaning in the midst of what is at times a period of intense preparations. This week is the last chances for scheduled reconciliation times. Please look at the monthly calendar for the times.
Recently, a friend called me to tell me her daily 'good news' - her father had returned to the Sacrament after 15+ years. Her mother shared that in the two days after his reception, he had been easier to live with, more gentle, and much more kind that at any other point the last years. This is the power of the sacrament, at work. He just stopped going, and after the first year or two, it got easier to not go. I imagine that is the case for many. We just simply stop going for whatever reason. But let's find better reasons to return or to encourage others to return.
Some let fear keep them away - please don't let it do that. It is not the confessors duties to condemn or humiliate the penitent, but rather to help him or her experience the forgiveness of God. With that end in mind, I give you a little aid:
Sacrament of Reconciliation
Revelation of one’s State: Bless me Father for I have sinned, my last Confession was ______ ago. These are my sins. [Confess sins here]
The priest will give a penance which you are to do as soon as you can after confession. Then you will recite the Act of Contrition.
O my God, I am heartily sorry for having offended thee, and I detest all my sins because of thy just punishment, but most of all because they offend thee, my God who art all good and deserving of all my love. I firmly resolve with the help of thy grace to, sin no more and to avoid the near occasion of sin. Amen.
Priest: Give thanks to the Lord for He is good…
R. His mercy endures forever.
Priest:The Lord has freed you from your sins, Go in Peace…
R. Thanks be to God.
In Christ,
Fr. Todd
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