Often times when I teach about the value of going to the Sacrament of Confession (Reconciliation), I use the image of LIGHT…to describe the Holy Spirit’s goal of cleansing out any ‘dark’ things in our life and filling us with God’s Light. We each have some ‘dark spots’ in our thoughts, heart, and soul that God wants to heal and remove in this powerful sacrament of healing.
This Thursday evening at 7:00 PM, we will have 8 priests here to offer the Sacrament of Reconciliation…to help us be People of Light. It is a new liturgical year...and in this sacrament, God gives us a new opportunity to be freed from the past and fill us with the grace to change sinful habits.
Logistics: For those who are “coming back” to the sacrament or new to the form called “Communal Reconciliation,” we start in the church with a simple prayer service centered on God’s Word. Then, the priests move to different areas of the church and other rooms for individual confessions, while prayerful music is played. You will be provided the Act of Contrition prayer, so all you need to remember are the sins that you want God to wash away in His mercy.
Let God give you and your family a Christmas gift of light, joy, peace, and grace through this powerful sacrament.
Peace, Fr. Jim Deiters
PS: There are many forms of “Examination of Conscience” available online to help you prepare for your confession. You can go to stclarechurch.org/penance for more information.
available online to help you prepare for your confession.