Just a couple weeks ago, I preached about the retreat I went on recently.  Where I sat in the church each day, I would see this card in the pew.  After sharing it during my homily, a handful of people asked for it.  So here it is.  It will be helpful for us as we prepare for reconciliation in the next couple weeks.  We will be offering Cluster Communal Penance opportunities from 5:00-6:00 p.m. Tuesdays December 10 at Nativity and December 17 at Queen of Heaven.

Invitation

“Neither will I condemn you.  Go your way and from now on sin no more.”  These are the words spoken by Jesus Christ, God, to the woman caught committing serious sin.  Even to the thief on the cross, Jesus said: “This day thou shalt be with Me in paradise.”  No matter how deeply we have fallen into sin, we should never fear God because He is our Father Who knows our weaknesses but loves us without limit.  Never fear any priest in the confessional as he is God’s representative placed there to help us, and he, too, is a sinner in need of God’s mercy. 

If it is a long time since your last confession, if there are some sins that you don’t know how to confess or are afraid to tell the priest, if you are mixed up about past confessions or if you have questions or problems, ask the priest in the confessional to help you.  DON’T POSTPONE YOUR CONFESSION.  THAT NEVER SOLVES ANYTHING.

Review of Life

1. Do I love God above all else? Do I put anything ahead of Him: money, power, sex?  Have I blamed Him when I was dissatisfied? 
2. Have I sworn falsely? Used profanity?
3. Have I attended Mass on Sunday? Prayed often?
4. Do I respect my parents and all in authority? Have I been critical of them?  Do I support my parents if they need it?
5. Have I injured or endangered anyone by anger, drunkenness or carelessness? Have I used drugs or alcohol to excess?
6. Have I been pure in thought, word and deed? Had an abortion?  Advised, procured or participated in one?
7. Have I stolen? Damaged property? Given to the Church?
8. Have I lied about anyone? Damaged anyone’s reputation?
9. Have I been jealous or envious? Been mean or petty toward those who have more than I?
10. Have I respected the marriage bonds of others even in my thoughts?

Give these realities of your life to Jesus, because He can actually do something about it…He can liberate you from your sins and set you free!

Live in His freedom,
Fr. Jeremy

PS This year’s Feast of the Immaculate Conception is a Holy Day of Obligation and will be moved to Monday, December 9.  See you at either 7:30 a.m., 9:00 a.m. or 6:30 p.m.  Peace!