Returning to the Sacrament of Penance
Been a few months... years... decades... since you've been to Confession? You're not alone. Many Catholics seem to slip out of the practice of regular confession. Even those who, at one point in their lives went to Confession regularly, often find themselves going less and less frequently until they stop going completely. Time goes by, and they never seem to get back. Eventually, it's been so long they're afraid to return. Maybe so long, they don't even remember what to do. If you find yourself in this situation, fear not. Returning to confession isn't hard—especially at our parish. Here's some help to get you started...
The Confessors
Fathers Staples and de Rosa are wonderful confessors. They want to hear your confession. Nothing could bring them more joy than to hear from a penitent who's been away for a long time. They know it's difficult for such people to come back to confession. No matter how long you've been away from the confessional, all three priests have probably heard from someone who's been away longer. No matter how terrible your sins, they've heard worse. They're not going to yell at you. They'll simply listen, offer advice, and, acting in the person of Christ, forgive your sins.
The Confession
Confessions are heard once or twice daily at St. Louis, more frequently during Advent and Lent. Times vary from week to week, so no matter what your schedule, there's bound to be a time when you can make it. Saturday afternoons are the most crowded. Weekdays and evenings are less crowded. Confession times for the week are posted in the church vestibule, the Sunday bulletin, and on the Parish Web site. If the times aren't convenient or if you'd like to meet with a priest separately from regular confession times, you can call the Rectory and make an appointment. There's no correlation between the length of time you've been away and the length of time you'll spend in the confessional. Sometimes people who make monthly confessions spend more time in the confessional than those who've been away for many years. Don't worry—you won't be spotted!
The links below take you to some articles and guides to confession—how to prepare for it, how to do it. Don't let a fear of not knowing what to say or saying the wrong thing keep you away. Our priests will be more than willing to help you along.
As you consider returning to this wonderful sacrament of God's mercy, read the beautiful words that are spoken by the priest as he absolves you from your sins:
"God the Father of mercies, through the death and
resurrection of His son,
has reconciled the world to Himself and sent the Holy Spirit among us for the
forgiveness of sins;
through the ministry of the Church may God give you pardon and peace,
and I absolve you from your sins, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and
of the Holy Spirit."
This Week's Confession Schedule
How to Go to Confession - Fr. Saunders