Msgr. Mike and Fr. Andrew will be available for reconciliation during the following times in one of the conference rooms in the Sr. Carol Center. Chairs will be set up in the Gathering Place and will serve as a “line” for confession; you’ll be getting some exercise moving from one chair to another as the line moves. If you wanted to wait for a specific confessor, you could do so.
The remaining schedule is as follows:
Monday, December 12: 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m Monday, December 12: 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Saturday, December 17: 11 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Monday, December 19: 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, December 20: 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Saturday, December 24: 11 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
You would be amazed how many times we welcome people back who haven’t celebrated the sacrament in years or even decades. Don’t be afraid if you’re one of these people and are worried about going to confession. Tell the confessor it’s been a while since you’ve gone to confession; he will walk you through the ritual. Don’t worry if you can’t remember the Act of Contrition; we have cards in the confessionals with the prayers. Your act of contrition could be as simple as: “Lord Jesus, Son of God have mercy on me, a sinner.”
Another excuse we often hear about why people don’t go to confession is: “Father, you don’t have the time to hear all that I need to confess.” Nice try, we’ll make the time! Another excuse: “Father, I wouldn’t have the time to do the penance you would give me. By the way, what kinds of penances do they give out these days?” The penances given out these days are often in the form of a prayer or some act of kindness. It’s not difficult, people! We encourage you to give it a try.