For the week of March 16, 2008 - Holy Week
What do you say when you go into the confessional?
If you’re like me, the sacrament of reconciliation is a struggle. I know that I should do it, but I’m uncomfortable with the process. Having grown up Lutheran, I’ve not memorized the Act of Contrition like others who grew up in the Catholic tradition. It’s nice to find out that the memorized prayers are not necessary to make a good confession. I asked Fr. Jon Seda to give me some insight into what I might expect in this sacrament today. Here are a few of his comments:
SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATIONAct of Contrition
- May use the screen, or go face to face. Either is fine.
- The priest will begin with the sign of the cross.
- The penitent then makes his or her confession of sins.
- The priest may say some words of encouragement.
- The priest then gives the penitent a penance, which is some prayers to say or something to do to further the conversion already happening in their life.
- The penitent is invited to make an act of contrition, in one's own words or in a formal prayer. If the Sacrament is celebrated communally, this is done together by everyone before individual confessions, and so is omitted.
- The priest then prays the prayer of absolution over the penitent, in which the Lord forgives all of their sins.
- The priest may send the penitent forth by saying "Your sins are forgiven, go in peace."
As far as what to confess, I encourage people to focus on the word RELATIONSHIPS. The definition of sin that I like is this:
Sins are actions or attitudes that weaken or destroy relationships with God, others, creation or self.
So I would invite people to focus on two or three relationships in which they feel their sin or selfishness has weakened what could be. I find this approach more helpful than the "grocery list" in which people try to remember every little thing. I would just confess by focusing on two or three relationships. Confession does not need to be long, and it really is not like counseling. The role of the priest is simply to hear the confession, offer encouragement, and act in the person of Christ in offering forgiveness. Fr. Jon Seda
Whether you choose to form your own words or recite a formal prayer for the act of contrition, consider reflecting upon examples. Here is one that I like:
O my God, I am sorry for my sins because I have offended you. I know I should love you above all things. Help me to do penance, to do better, and to avoid anything that might lead me to sin. Amen.
Peace,
Jenny Cooper
Communal Reconciliation -please plan to attend one of these celebrations. Several priests will be available for confession.
March 16 – 3:00 pm St. Joseph
March 16 – 5:00 pm Holy Family
March 17 – 7:00 pm St. Joseph
OUR PARISH
EVENTS & HOLY WEEK Mass Times - click here
Bulletin - click here
SEDAR MEAL RESERVATIONS - call the rectory by noon on Monday, March 17 - 423-7301
Eucharistic Ministers needed - contact Deb Ballantyne, 424-4219
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