Reconciliation - I did it!

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Newzie52

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I am so excited! I have a very difficult time getting up my courage to go to confession (I’m a bit of a perfectionist and have a slight anxiety problem) but was bound and determined that I would attend our parish Communal Reconciliation service tonight.

I was pleased to see so many people - I’d guess at least two hundred - and there were 12 priests. Our pastor is very good at explaining things and taking away much of the fear. We had readings, sang, had a short homily, said the Act of Contrition together, and then he pointed out all the different stations around the church and told us which priest would be at each. You had the option of sitting either behind the priest, anonymously, or face to face. Two priests I know to be especially kind were there, so I made a beeline to one of them. His lovely Irish brogue just put me at ease and - I did it!!! What a good feeling - even better than I remember from when the Sisters of St. Joseph used to haul us to confession as a class.

So - if you’re hesitating like I was, I’d advise you to find a parish holding a Communal Reconciliation service this week (no pressure to remember the Act of Contrition, as you say it all together, usually from a printed sheet.) Plus, there will usually be at least several priests from various parishes. So - GO! You will feel so clean and it will be an especially wonderful Easter.

God bless!
 
That’s great! As someone who always drags her feet to go, it really is a wonderful Sacrament.
 
Way to go! I just went to Reconciliation tonight as well and it was something I knew I would need in order to fully receive the graces God pours down upon us at Easter.

I hope everyone will come to realize how great this sacrament truly is.
 
My dear sister in Christ - thank you so much for sharing your joy with us! I felt so up-lifted when I read your posting, and I am sure that Jesus was just as joyous and happy sitting there at reconcillation with you. Have a wonderful and blessed Easter.
 
Thank you for all your kind and joyful responses! I truly feel more excited about the rest of Holy Week, from the Triduum to planning a special Easter dinner.

As someone who has always struggled with confession due to the perfectionism and mild social anxiety I had mentioned, I cannot stress how difficult it can be. I have met my share of grumpy priests who scolded and embarrassed already nervous penitents. Those experiences certainly shaped, in a negative way, my view of confession; something to be always dreaded and periodically endured.

Our pastor can sometimes annoy me no end, but his approach to the Sacrament of Reconciliation is wonderful. He fully explains what goes on in the Communal service, as it is still new to many. The communal penance service certainly emphasizes how we are all sinners, all in the same boat. Not having to recite the Act of Contrition individually goes a long way toward decreasing anxiety, at least for me, as nerves would often make my mind go blank at inopportune times. Having the variety of priests he invites to participate virtually ensures that there will be a couple whose personalities are known to me; that was the case last night. Clearly, his methods are working - there were hundreds of people there; I was so happy to see that.

I am going to try to receive the sacrament of reconciliation more frequently (I have been known to travel far afield to guarantee anonymity; one would think I was a mass murderer!) and make it habitual. At the very least, I know I can go, without too much worry and dread, at least twice a year, to our communal celebration.

A blessed Holy Week and glorious Easter to all! God bless.
 
That is great, good for you! 🙂
I went tonight and I’m so glad that I did.
 
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