Lent is a wonderful time to celebrate the reconciling love and the healing graces our Lord offers us. Like all religious experiences, it takes preparation.
Experience God’s Love
Reconciliation is what God does. Receiving it and celebrating it is what we do. The Sacrament of Reconciliation is a most natural way to celebrate God’s forgiveness and love.
Even now, says the Lord, return to me with your whole heart …Joel 2:12
This Scripture begins the first reading on Ash Wednesday, and sets the tone for the entire season of Lent. To reconcile with God is the reason for the sacrament of reconciliation. Listen to the reading at the All School Mass on Ash Wednesday at Saint Patrick Catholic Church.
Ways to Receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation
In the Sacrament of Reconciliation is the opportunity to grow closer to God— whether the Sacrament is individual or in a communal Reconciliation Service during the liturgical seasons of preparation— Advent before the celebration of Christmas and Lent before the celebration of Easter.
Communal Reconciliation Service
Many parishes offer the Sacrament of Reconciliation in a communal service during the season of Advent and Lent. The communal service is an opportunity to join our sisters and brother in asking for forgiveness and healing during this important time of the year.
Saint Patrick Catholic Church is offering a parish-wide Reconciliation Service at 7 P.M. on Monday, March 14, 2016. All are invited to join with our faith community to reflect on our lives through Scripture readings and songs followed by an examination of conscience ending with confessing our top fault or two. Several priests will be available for the Sacrament of Reconcilation and Penance.
Weekly Reconciliation
Reconciliation is offered every Saturday, 4:00 P.M. – 5:00 P.M. except Holy Saturday. Reconciliation is also offered 6:00 – 7:00 P.M. every Friday during the season of Lent immediately followed by Stations of the Cross at 7:00 PM.
A Renewed Focus on Christ
In preparation for Easter, we invite all to begin anew with souls nourished from gift of the divine mercy and forgiveness God has for everyone. While going to confession throughout the liturgical year is important, Lent is a great time to receive the sacrament of Reconciliation. Lent, in the liturgical year, is known as a penitential season. As Catholics, we are asked to give up various items or habits and commit to activities that bring us closer to God and our community. Confession is a natural step to cleanse ourselves from sin and start anew with a renewed focus on Christ.
If it has been a while since your last confession, remember,
Do not fear: I am with you.Isaiah 41:10
The priest will help guide you. And feel free to take the Busted Halo’s guide on How to Go to Confession with you!
