At a recent meeting, the Worship Committee discussed our scheduled times to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Those times are during the Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament from 7:00 AM to the beginning of Mass on the First Friday of the month, and 3:15 on Saturday afternoon. Instead of providing additional scheduled times, I encourage you to call and make an appointment with me to celebrate the Sacrament. By making an appointment, we can take more time to fully celebrate the Sacrament, including reflection on a Scripture passage, which the rite calls for. You won’t have to “wait in line” or be rushed because others are waiting. In any case, we encourage you to celebrate the Sacrament as needed.
While there are other means of seeking forgiveness for sins, the Rite of Reconciliation allows us to acknowledge the ecclesial nature of our sins (that our sins also affect the community) and receive the community’s forgiveness, as the priest represents the community. Plus it is a humble but powerful experience to name our sins to another person, and to actually hear God’s forgiveness through the prayer of absolution. Don’t worry about knowing exactly how to “go to Confession.” The priest will always guide you. And writing out what you want to confess beforehand is a good practice.
Blessings!