Penance Service

[MariaES]

I attended a penance service at my church last week. It had been 30 years since my last confession! I was terrified. I thought the priest would yell at me or something. But he sounded excited when he said “Welcome Back.” He was so kind and understanding. Now I want to encourage everyone who hasn’t been to confession in awhile to go back and experience what a wonderful sacrament it is!

Maria

 

[Beowulf]

Wonderful news indeed. Your joy and excitement shines through your post. Happy Easter!!!

 

[RShackleford]

Very good news indeed! Happy Easter!

 

[Anne_Margaret]

Well done, Maria! and welcome back amongst us. I am sure you will find the church quite different to how you remember it. When I look back to how I perceived my faith and the church 30 years ago, I am amazed at how I have changed as I grew in spiritual maturity.

Now I know that I could never be outside communion with the Body of Christ. Way back then I didn’t realise that, or how much I had to learn, especially at the heart level. At a head level, I was pretty much OK, having been well catechised by devout parents and Catholic schooling. I just wasn’t aware that I “didn’t get it.”

I wish you well, and pray that your return to the church will fill you with joy, and a bring a new wonder at our wonderful faith.

 

[MariaES]

I was reading a couple of books about confession before I went. I can’t remember which one this bit of information is from, but the author stated that persons who attend regular confession are much less likely to need the help of a psychotherapist. Sure is something to think about!

Maria

 

[K-McD]

I attended a penance service at my church last week. It had been 30 years since my last confession! I was terrified. I thought the priest would yell at me or something. But he sounded excited when he said “Welcome Back.” He was so kind and understanding. Now I want to encourage everyone who hasn’t been to confession in awhile to go back and experience what a wonderful sacrament it is!

Maria

Now, you can see a little of what Our Lord meant by, “There’s more joy in Heaven with the repentance of one sinner…” Indeed, Welcome Back!

 

[mommyof4]

I attended a penance service at my church last week. It had been 30 years since my last confession! I was terrified. I thought the priest would yell at me or something. But he sounded excited when he said “Welcome Back.” He was so kind and understanding. Now I want to encourage everyone who hasn’t been to confession in awhile to go back and experience what a wonderful sacrament it is!

Maria

Welcome back! It’s a good feeling, isn’t it?