St. Joan of Arc (MN) develops new affirming confession for Lent

[Jennifer_J]

The following is directly copied and pasted from - stjoan.com/thumb3fr.htm
Two groups of children celebrated First Reconciliation, March 10 and 24. Although most of the 75 participants are in fourth grade, some like my daughter, Genesis, are slightly older. In addition to preparing for the sacrament by reading and reflection, each child was given a candle. Instead of merely being angry, yelling or sulking, each was invited to light the candle with family members and talk through a problem if there was a disagreement in the home. “The role of family and forgiveness is central to First Reconciliation, said Kathy Itzin, Director of Elementary Religious Education and Sacraments. Kathy explained how Reconciliation had evolved, not just at St. Joan of Arc, but at most Catholic Churches. Conversation, questions and dialogue weren’t merely welcomed, but essential to the Reconciliation process.
For a copy of the entire article see: stjoan.com/thumb3fr.htm

 

[dylanschrader]

It sounds like this parish is mistaken about when the Sacrament of Penance is to be celebrated and its significance.

For example, Canon Law states that children should go to confession before receiving their first Communion:

Can. 914 It is primarily the duty of parents and those who take the place of parents, as well as the duty of pastors, to take care that children who have reached the use of reason are prepared properly and, after they have made sacramental confession, are refreshed with this divine food as soon as possible. It is for the pastor to exercise vigilance so that children who have not attained the use of reason or whom he judges are not sufficiently disposed do not approach holy communion.

It’s sad that they felt the practice of the Catholic Church was not appropriate for their parish.

“The Church started to move away from the idea of confession and absolution probably about the time of Vatican Two“

I wasn’t aware that the Church would “move away” from something instituted by Christ and necessary for the forgiveness of serious sins committed after baptism. I guess the Church has defected.

“On our own it’s easy to think, ‘I’ve done something wrong or I’m a bad person.’

We should be thinking “I’ve done something wrong” when we’ve done something wrong!

:dts:

 

[WanderAimlessly]

This parish should be disbanded.

 

[Eileen_T]

What does Archbishop Flynn think he’s doing?

Bishops are charged with the grave obligation to be “authentic teachers and instructors of the faith for the faithful entrusted to their care” (Canon 753).

As shepherds of the people, they are to “promote the common discipline of the whole Church and therefore to urge the observance of all ecclesiastical laws.” Bishops are “to be watchful lest abuses creep into ecclesiastical discipline, especially concerning the ministry of the word, the celebration of the sacraments” and also the worship of God (Can. 392).

Does he think he won’t be called to account on Judgment Day?

 

[Marian_Carroll]

GENTLE REMINDER

The topic is “new affirming Confession”