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The Sacrament of Reconciliation
I encourage you to take part in the Sacrament of Reconciliation during the Season of Lent.
It is a joyful and wonderous Sacrament. I have heard the confession of dozens of young people over the last month and, while most of them entered with nervousness and apprehension, they all left having experienced the mercy and love of God. Most of them left with big smiles! Some have literally jumped for joy! The Sacrament of Reconciliation is a remarkable gift from God for all ages that brings us grace and peace, a feeling of having a great burden lifted off our hearts, and a closeness to God that is healing and lifegiving.
It really is a special and valuable experience of the love and Grace of God.
There are lots of opportunities. I will be hearing the Confessions of the 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders at our School over the next couple of weeks.
I will be available for confessions:
- Mondays - 8:45 am until 9:15 am
- Thursdays during Lent from 4:30 pm - 5:30 pm during the Exposition and Adoration of the Eucharist (Mass follows at 6 pm)
- Saturdays - 4:00 pm - 4:30 pm
On Wednesday, April 2, as part of the Diocesan Day of Penance and Mercy, I will be celebrating the Sacrament of Reconciliation at St. Rita:
- 7:00 am – 10:00 am
- 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
- 5:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Do not let nervousness or apprehension stop you. When you come, I promise I will be compassionate, thoughtful, helpful, and respectful. It will increase your hope!
Please make the Sacrament of Reconciliation a part of your Lenten Journey.
Sincerely yours in Christ,
~Fr. Tim
Our Moment Has Arrived
Every generation has something that defines them. A moment when we will need to rise to the occasion. I can’t help but feel that moment has arrived. I’m speaking to everyone, all generations – teens, young adults, and those a little older.
In a world that seems to have lost its moral compass in so many ways, the world needs people of faith to step up. To be Christ in the world, no matter the personal consequences. I know, easier said than done. We can feel helpless, anxious, scared. It is in these moments though that God gives us what we most need...courage. Often times that courage comes in the form of our own faith community. The weight of it all is a little lighter when we stand tall together.
St. Rita Parish has always shown the way in this regard. But God’s work is never easy and it is never done. We must not get fatigued in our moment. There are critical needs within our community and many current ministries offer opportunities to live out our faith. If you are not already active in one of our ministries, please consider engaging in one now. If you have questions or are not sure where you are most needed, please feel to contact me and I am sure we can find the perfect fit! Perhaps an easy start is to simply invite someone to come to Church with you.
Lastly, let us pray for hearts courageous enough to face our fears, to extend mercy and compassion to those most in need of God’s unconditional love. And if you need a Bible reference or two to really bring this point home, The Beatitudes and the Good Samaritan provide a great foundation.
Thank for listening!
Much love,
~Deacon Jim
Eucharistic Communion and Seeing Those in Need
The Catechism of the Catholic Church tells us that receiving the Eucharist “commits us to the poor” (1397). Why is this so?
Receiving the Eucharist means that we enter into union with the Second Person of the Blessed Trinity. And being in Holy Communion with Jesus himself means something profound. Let’s consider one facet of this great mystery.
The Eucharist is Jesus himself. He is the Eternal Word, living in Trinitarian communion with the Father and the Holy Spirit. But out of love for us, in order to save us from sin and death, the beloved Son of the Father chose to take upon himself a radical poverty: the weakness of the human condition of his beloved creatures.
Continue reading this article by Dr. James Pauley here.