“Create a clean heart in me O Lord” – one of my favorite nights of the formation year with the students is when they celebrate reconciliation. For our first timers, they go in with trepidation and come out with smiles and excitement; they teach us so much. After watching them before and after they celebrate, I don’t know why anyone would not want to experience the joy and relief they feel. I want to invite and encourage you to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation especially if you have not done so in a while. Feeling God’s grace and forgiveness is a gift that none of us should be passing on. If it has been a while, please note that 1) Father will help you along if you tell him it has been a while and you need help and 2) you can review the steps for celebrating at Sacrament of Reconciliation Brochure for Children or How to Make a Good Confession

Did you know why it is also called the sacrament of conversion, penance, confession, forgiveness and reconciliation? In the Catechism of the Catholic Church we read:

1423 It is called the sacrament of conversion because it makes sacramentally present Jesus' call to conversion, the first step in returning to the Father5 from whom one has strayed by sin.

It is called the sacrament of Penance, since it consecrates the Christian sinner's personal and ecclesial steps of conversion, penance, and satisfaction.

1424 It is called the sacrament of confession, since the disclosure or confession of sins to a priest is an essential element of this sacrament. In a profound sense it is also a "confession" - acknowledgment and praise - of the holiness of God and of his mercy toward sinful man.

It is called the sacrament of forgiveness, since by the priest's sacramental absolution God grants the penitent "pardon and peace."6

It is called the sacrament of Reconciliation, because it imparts to the sinner the live of God who reconciles: "Be reconciled to God."7 He who lives by God's merciful love is ready to respond to the Lord's call: "Go; first be reconciled to your brother."8

“How often do we need to celebrate the sacrament” you ask? Again let us look to the CCC:
1457 According to the Church's command, "after having attained the age of discretion, each of the faithful is bound by an obligation faithfully to confess serious sins at least once a year."56 

If you haven’t celebrated this past year, then know I am praying that you do so now. Look at the parish website and or bulletin for times and opportunities here at OLL.

Know of my continued prayers for your Lenten journey.

Peace and prayers,

Jean, DRE