Sacrament of Reconciliation

One of the ten things that Catholics can do to observe the "Year of Faith" is go to confession. We know that the Sacrament of Reconciliation has seen a decline over the years. At one time there were long lines for confession but now we hardly see anyone, except during Advent and Lent. Sin and evil still exists. Mortal and venial sins still exist, but yet, no one takes advantage of the healing and forgiveness that comes with the Sacrament of Reconciliation. In his opening address to the bishops of the United States last week at their annual meeting, conference president Cardinal Timothy Dolan, challenged the bishops to undergo their own conversion and renewal. Of course, as bishops, priests, and deacons, we need to lead by example. If we are going to preach on the Sacrament of Reconciliation, we need to take full advantage of the sacrament ourselves. As Cardinal Dolan said, "This is the sacrament of the new evangelization, for as Pope Benedict reminds us, 'We cannot speak about the new evangelization without the sincere desire to conversion.'" Over the weekend, the priests of the Diocese of Salina preached on the Sacrament of Reconciliation and how we are going to implement the Rite of Penance that was promulgated in 1975. The rite has a liturgical structure: sign of the cross, greeting, liturgy of the word, celebration of the sacrament, blessing, and dismissal. Hopefully people will feel comfortable in approaching the sacrament because they will not be on their own, the priest will help them each step of the way. I am sure there are many reasons people do not participate in the Sacrament of Reconciliation, but they need to make that decision to receive it and allow the grace of God to work in their lives in a special way! May God Bless Us on Our Journey as we seek His mercy, healing, forgiveness, and reconciliation!!!