Dear Parishioners:

We are halfway through Lent.  One of the great gifts of this season is that of reconciliation.  Our God yearns for us and wants to forgive us our sins.  Besides our confessions time on Saturday’s from 3:30-4:45pm.  During this Lenten Season confessions will also be heard on Sunday’s after our 9:00 am and 11:00 am liturgies, and on Good Friday after our service.  Let us pray for each other as we all strive to grow in holiness and oneness with our God.

Here’s what the Sacrament of Reconciliation actually offers:

• restoration to honesty—no more need to rationalize
• restoration to integrity—no more need to have secret or unacknowledged parts of your life
• relief from unproductive guilt—transformation of remorse into living a new life. The purpose of this sacrament is not punishment but true reconciliation with God and the community.
• an encounter with God—meeting God in humility (not humiliation!) and weakness
• spiritual guidance—no need to struggle with your moral issues alone
• inner peace—no longer having to live a life at war with yourself
• strength in meeting future challenges and temptations
• grace—rediscovering, as did the prodigal son, your Father’s unconditional love.

Why should you not be afraid of this sacrament? The best reason is that God longs to forgive you. Remember, God knows that you are much more than the worst thing you’ve ever done. May the good Lord bless you this Lent.

Lenten Blessings!

Msgr John Shamleffer