Since becoming pastor of St. Joseph Church in Macon, along with the other priests, we have made a concerted effort to catechize our parishioners about living a sacramental life. This means, of course, understanding the nature of Holy Baptism as God's means of adopting us as His sons and daughters, making us a priestly people called to know, love and serve God especially in our worship and prayer (Mass and other forms of prayer) and how we live our lives in the world.
The Second Vatican Councils in Lumen Gentium calls Catholic laity to honor their baptismal calling and sacramental life thusly:
"It is the special vocation of the laity to seek the kingdom of God by engaging in temporal affairs and directing them according to God's will. They live in the world, in each and every one of the world's occupations and callings and in the ordinary circumstances of social and family life—. There they are called by God to contribute to the sanctification of the world from within, like leaven, in the spirit of the Gospel, by fulfilling their own particular duties." Vatican II
So often though, we need God's grace in the Sacrament of Penance by which Jesus Christ renews the gift of forgiveness He first offers us in Holy Baptism. Although Baptism cannot be repeated, going to Confession can be repeated infinitely!
We've encouraged our parishioners to make use of the Sacrament of Penance regularly. We say shoot for weekly but go at least once a month and as a family.
Because of our emphasis on Confession, we now need to have two priests hearing confession each Saturday. And of course availability of confession is also a must. We now hear confessions each morning, Monday through Friday at 7:30 AM and of course anytime by appointment.
Also we offer a communal or liturgical Penance Liturgy twice a year during Advent and Lent.
1 comment:
Father, thanks for the video from Fr. Barron. My wife has asked me why she must confess to a priest, and it's great to have such a clear answer.
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