Week of March 26, 2023
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
We know that one of the major themes of Lent is repentance – conversion of heart. For us as Catholics, an important way to express that repentance is in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. It’s a sacrament where we are able to express sorrow for our sins and receive God’s mercy and forgiveness.
This past week the students in our religious education program were able to experience God’s forgiveness in the Sacrament of Reconciliation for the first time. We had First Penance for our children this past Thursday. The children were able to receive this sacrament of forgiveness as they prepare to receive their First Holy Communion in May.
We know that the Sacrament of Reconciliation is not just reserved to children preparing for First Holy Communion but is available to all of us anytime we need it. Lent is a great time to reflect on our lives in a special way and when we do that it can lead us to go to confession. We are adding an extra opportunity for confession during the Lenten Season this upcoming Wednesday (March 29th) at 7:00pm in the Church. I will have some visiting priests available with me to hear confessions. There is no “penance service” – it’s just an extra opportunity to have priests available for you to hear your confessions during Lent.
So whether it’s your first time going to confession like it was for our religious education students or your 300th time going to confession – whether its been a couple weeks since your last confession or 40 years since your last confession – this Lent is a great opportunity to take advantage of this wonderful sacrament where we are able to receive God’s mercy.
Hope to see you on Wednesday evening.
God Bless,
Father Chris