CSC in 1-2-3: Confession

1. Why do I need to go to confession if God can forgive me any time? While this is true, there is often still a grief or a shame that we are holding onto if we are not able to bring ourselves to share openly our shortcomings with this other person. In freely and fully confessing our sins, we are liberated from the emotional and spiritual grip that they have on us. The priest stands in for the community of the human family whom we have sinned against, serving as the voice of their love and forgiveness - and God's - in light of our desire for healing and wholeness.

2. What happens in Catholic confession? You can prepare for Confession by examining your conscience and being sincerely sorry for your sins. At Confession, state your sins openly and honestly to the priest, feeling free to ask for advice or ask questions. The priest will then assign you a penance (an act or sacrifice performed to show sorrow or repentance for your sin) and provide you with a copy of the Act of Contrition for you to recite. The priest concludes with "The Lord has freed you from your sins. Go in peace," to which you respond, "Thanks be to God."

3. We all have people who we know love us very much, but from time to time we still need to hear those precious words "I love you" that sink so deeply into our hearts. In the same way, there is something about so powerful about hearing the words "I absolve you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit."

Written by Mark Zaegel, Campus Minister

Don't miss our Confession Marathon on Wed., March 21 from 2pm-12am for a chance to gain peace and reconciliation. Confession is also available 15 minutes before weekday Masses or by appointment; contact Cathy D. to schedule a time.