Saint Edmond

Catholic Church

Saint Edmond

Catholic Church

Saint Edmond
Catholic Church

reconciliation

A Turn to God

And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the holy Spirit. Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained.”

John 20: 22-23

The Sacrament of Penance must be seen within the context of conversion from sin and a turn to God. Peter wept bitterly over his triple denial of Christ but received the grace of conversion and expressed it with a threefold confession of love for Jesus (cf. Lk 22:54-62; Jn 21:15-19). Paul was converted from persecuting Christians to becoming one of the greatest disciples of Christ who ever lived (cf. Acts 9:1-31). These moments of conversion were only the beginning of their lifelong commitment to living in fidelity to the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Sin harms our relationship with God and damages our communion with the Church. Conversion of heart is the beginning of our journey back to God. Liturgically this happens in the Sacrament of Penance. In the history of the Church, this Sacrament has been celebrated in different ways. Beneath the changes, there have always been two essentials: the acts of the penitent and the acts of Christ through the ministry of the Church. Both go hand in hand. Conversion must involve a change of heart as well as a change of actions. Neither is possible without God’s grace.

Preparing for Reconciliation

Preparing for the Sacrament of Reconciliation involves a thoughtful and sincere examination of conscience, prayer, and a willingness to seek God’s forgiveness. Here’s a simple guide on how to prepare for reconciliation:

  • Reflect on your thoughts, words, and actions since your last confession.
  • Consider areas where you may have fallen short in your relationships with God and others.
  • Use an examination of conscience guide, which typically outlines the Ten Commandments and other moral teachings of the Church.
  • Spend some time in prayer, seeking guidance from the Holy Spirit.
  • Acknowledge your sins and express genuine sorrow for any wrongdoing.
  • Ask for the strength to amend your life and avoid repeating the same mistakes.

Familiarize yourself with the structure of the confession. It typically includes:

  • Greeting: Begin with the sign of the cross and a greeting.
  • Confession: Confess your sins honestly and humbly.
  • Contrition: Express sincere sorrow for your sins.
  • Penance: Accept the penance given by the priest.
  • Absolution: Receive the words of absolution from the priest.
  • Check our schedule below for designated times for the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
  • If you’re unable to make the scheduled times, contact our office at (337) 981-0874 to arrange a suitable appointment.
  • Arrive at the church a little earlier to allow time for reflection.
  • Enter the confessional or reconciliation room and make the sign of the cross.
  • Confess your sins honestly and with a contrite heart.
  • Listen to the advice or guidance offered by the priest.
  • After confessing your sins, the priest will assign a penance (a prayer, a reflection, or a specific action).
  • Complete the penance as soon as possible to fully embrace the reconciliation process.
  • Take some time after your confession to reflect on the experience.
  • Embrace the opportunity for spiritual renewal and growth.
  • Strive to live in accordance with God’s grace and love.

Remember, the Sacrament of Reconciliation is a beautiful opportunity to experience God’s mercy and forgiveness. Approach it with a sincere heart, and trust in God’s love for you. If you have any specific questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to speak with our Pastor Fr. Joe.

Our Confession Times

Tuesday …….. 6:00 – 6:20 am
Wednesday .. 11:40 – 12:00 pm
Thursday …….. 6:00 – 6:20 am
Friday …… 8:00 – 8:30 am
Saturday ….. 3:00 – 3:45 pm
Sunday ……. 7:30 – 7:50 am,
10:30 – 10:50 am, 4:00 – 4:45 pm

Tuesday
6:00 – 6:20 am

Wednesday
11:40 – 12:00 pm

Thursday
6:00 – 6:20 am

Friday
8:00 – 8:30 am

Saturday
3:00 – 3:45 pm

Sunday
7:30 – 7:50 am, 10:30 – 10:50 am, 4:00 – 4:45 pm

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