One of the most underused sacraments of the Catholic Church is the Sacrament of Reconciliation. There are many reasons why people do not avail themselves of the graces God bestows upon us in this beautiful spiritual encounter. Some people have memories of being yelled at in the dark confessional box decades ago. Some people can’t bring themselves to see themselves as a sinner. Some people think it is only for those who have done something egregious like murdered someone. And probably most people just have never gotten around to it. Whatever the reason, for many Catholics it has been a long time since they have celebrated this sacrament.
The holy season of Lent begins with Ash Wednesday on February 13th. This Lent, all the churches in the Archdiocese of Hartford are inviting every Catholic to come celebrate this Sacrament once again. Whether it’s been a few weeks or many years, come experience the joys of having all your sins forgiven. Come experience the grace to go back into the world with a fresh start. Come experience the renewed sense of purpose we feel when we have asked God to walk with us as we face the pressures and temptations of our everyday lives. Or just come spend some quiet time in the presence of Almighty God.
Psychologists have written of the wondrous, freeing effects of this Catholic sacrament, saying that they wish everyone could experience the same thing. Every Monday during Lent, from 6 to 7 pm, every Catholic church in the Archdiocese will be open for the celebration of the Sacrament of Reconciliation. We will have the usual time of Saturdays at 2:30 each week as well, and also I would be more than happy to schedule an appointment for anyone not able to make these times.
For more information you can visit www.light4you.info. Why not come back to the Sacrament of Reconciliation this Lent and see what you have been missing?
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