EMBRACING THE SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION DURING LENT

As adults, we often know better than young people — we’ve been around longer and have more life experiences. But this Lent, let’s take our cues from the children and youth and be sure to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Ann Voller, the Area Coordinator of Faith Formation and Youth Ministry, says that most, if not all, of the Faith Formation students, embrace the opportunity to receive the sacrament when it’s offered at Advent and Lent.

“We should go to confession regularly to help us recognize what sins we struggle with and to ask Jesus for forgiveness and healing,” Ann says.

And, as Ann says, the Sacrament of Reconciliation is truly a gift that we should not let go to waste.

“Confession is God’s mercy and love to us, in the form of a sacrament, that can heal us from our sins, restore our relationship with Him and work to perfect us for glory with Him in heaven someday,” she says.

If you haven’t been to Confession in a long time, this is your year to draw closer to this sacrament once again. Don’t miss the chance to receive God’s grace!

“The healing grace I have received from the sacrament has been life-changing for me, and it has become life-changing for our students,” Ann says. “God wants to heal us from our sins. He wants to remove our guilt and shame and replace it with His loving grace and mercy.”

Our Faith Formation students were excited to share their thoughts on how their relationship with Jesus has grown through the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

— “It makes me feel closer to Him because, after Confession, I feel a weight off of my shoulders.” — sixth grader, St. Andrew’s

— “It has made me feel like I can trust Him more, and I feel more open to Him when I need help.” — seventh grader, St. Joseph’s

— “Every time I go, it feels like He frees my mind and hurts from the chains of sin.” — 11th grader, St. James

— “It helps me move closer to Jesus because I know that even if I mess up, Jesus will forgive me.” — ninth grader, St. Joseph’s

The students offer some helpful tips if you find yourself hesitant to attend Confession.

— “It’s okay. There is nothing to be afraid of. Confession is a good place!” — sixth grader, St. Joseph’s

— “It’s not as bad as you think. You will feel much better.” — sixth grader, St. James

— “Just give it a try because you will not get judged for what you say, because it’s just you, your priest, and Jesus.” — ninth grader, St. Joseph’s

— “You can do it! You get to talk to Jesus in private and remember that God loves you.” — third grader, St. James

— “It may seem nerve-wracking at the beginning, but once you’re done and got all your sins off your chest, it almost feels as if you have a weight lifted off your shoulders.” — 11th grader, St. Joseph’s

CONFESSION TIMES

(St. James) Sunday: 8 am - 8:20 a.m.; Wednesday: 4:30 p.m. - 4:50 p.m.

(St. Andrew’s) Tuesday: 4:30 p.m. - 4:50 p.m.; Friday: 9:30 a.m. - 9:50 a.m.; Saturday: 4:15 p.m. - 4:50 p.m.

(St. Joseph’s) Thursday: 5 p.m. - 5:20 p.m.; Friday: 5:30 p.m. - 5:50 p.m.; Saturday: 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.

Students from the Holy Family Area who are grateful for the Sacrament of Reconciliation