Prayer before beginning pilgrimage

Transcription

1 PILGRIM S BOOK

2 Prayer before beginning pilgrimage If a priest is present to send pilgrims off: All-powerful God, you always show mercy toward those who you love and you are never far away for those who seek you. Be with your servants on this pilgrimage and guide their way in accord with your will. Be a companion for them along their journey, a guide at crossroads, strength in their weariness, defense before dangers, shelter on the way, shade against the heat, light in the darkness, a comforter in their discouragements, and firmness in their intentions, in order that, through your guidance, they might arrive unscathed at the end of their journey and, enriched with graces and virtues, they might return safely home; through Jesus Christ Your Son, Who lives and reigns with You, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Priest: The Lord be with you and with your spirit Priest: May almighty God bless you, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit Amen Priest: Let us go strengthened by the love and mercy that God gives to everyone Thanks be to God

3 In the absence of a priest to send off pilgrims Pilgrim prays the following prayer O God, who brought your servant Abraham out of the land of the Chaldeans, protecting him in his wanderings, who guided the Hebrew people across the desert, we ask that you watch over us, your servants, as we go in pilgrimage in the love of Your name. Be for us our companion on the walk, Our guide at the crossroads, Our breath in our weariness, Our protection in danger, Our shade in the heat, Our light in the darkness, Our consolation in our discouragements, And our strength in our intentions. So that with your guidance we may arrive safe and sound at the end of the Road and enriched with grace and virtue we return safely to our homes filled with joy. In the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.

4 Before passing through the Holy Door In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit Amen. Prayer We ask you, Lord, graciously accept the prayers of we, your people, that through this devotion of passing through the Door of Mercy, we will once again rejoice in our salvation and dedicate ourselves to be witnesses of mercy. We ask this in the name of Jesus, the Lord, the face of God s mercy. Amen. Passing through the Holy Door All stand and the leader of prayer invites all to pass through the Holy Door with these words. God never tires of casting open the doors of His heart and of repeating that He loves us and wants to share His love with us. Now with hearts full of joy and gratitude, let us pass through this Jubilee Door renewed in Spirit, confident in God s mercy towards us and steadfast in our duty to be credible witnesses of mercy poured out upon us. Then the faithful pass through the Holy Door in silence.

5 Paraliturgy Inside the Church Reading from Scripture The Pilgrim spends some time reading a passage of scripture for reflection. Suggested scripture passages are given in Appendix 1. Silent Reflection Prayers of Intercession God, our Father, who is slow to anger and rich in mercy, has redeemed us through the death and resurrection of His Son and we are the first fruits of His mercy. Let us now ask the Lord to help us be faithful witnesses to that mercy, which we have received. Prayers based on the corporal works of mercy. Heavenly Father, give us compassion to feed the hungry, we pray. R. Lord Jesus, fill our hearts with your love Heavenly Father, move us to give drink to the thirsty, we pray. R. Lord Jesus, fill our hearts with your love Heavenly Father, lead us to clothe the naked, we pray. R. Lord Jesus, fill our hearts with your love Heavenly Father, give us kind heartedness to visit and free those held captive, we pray. R. Lord Jesus, fill our hearts with your love

6 Heavenly Father, guide us to shelter the homeless, we pray. R. Lord Jesus, fill our hearts with your love Heavenly Father, instill within us a spirit of compassion to visit the sick, we pray. R. Lord Jesus, fill our hearts with your love Heavenly Father, fill us with sympathy to bury the dead, we pray. R. Lord Jesus, fill our hearts with your love Prayers based on spiritual works of mercy God Our Saviour, make us patient to guide the sinner, we pray. R. Lord Jesus, fill our hearts with your mercy God Our Saviour, give us wisdom to instruct the ignorant, we pray. R. Lord Jesus, fill our hearts with your mercy God Our Saviour, impart to us hope to console the doubtful, we pray. R. Lord Jesus, fill our hearts with your mercy God Our Saviour, bestow upon us love to counsel the sorrowful, we pray. R. Lord Jesus, fill our hearts with your mercy God Our Saviour, provide us with fortitude to bear wrongs patiently, we pray. R. Lord Jesus, fill our hearts with your mercy

7 God Our Saviour, mold us into peacemakers to forgive all injuries, we pray. R. Lord Jesus, fill our hearts with your mercy God Our Saviour, impart within us a generous spirit to pray for the living and the dead, we pray. R. Lord Jesus, fill our hearts with your mercy

8 The Holy Year Prayer Lord Jesus Christ, you have taught us to be merciful like the heavenly Father, and have told us that whoever sees you sees Him. Show us your face and we will be saved. Your loving gaze freed Zacchaeus and Matthew from being enslaved by money; the adulteress and Magdalene from seeking happiness only in created things; made Peter weep after his betrayal, and assured Paradise to the repentant thief. Let us hear, as if addressed to each one of us, the words that you spoke to the Samaritan woman: If you knew the gift of God! You are the visible face of the invisible Father, of the God who manifests his power above all by forgiveness and mercy: let the Church be your visible face in the world, its Lord risen and glorified. You willed that your ministers would also be clothed in weakness in order that they may feel compassion for those in ignorance and error: let everyone who approaches them feel sought after, loved, and forgiven by God. Send your Spirit and consecrate every one of us with its anointing, so that the Jubilee of Mercy may be a year of grace from the Lord, and your Church, with renewed enthusiasm, may bring good news to the poor, proclaim liberty to captives and the oppressed, and restore sight to the blind. We ask this through the intercession of Mary, Mother of Mercy, you who live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit for ever and ever. Amen.

9 Concluding Reflection As we continue our journey of conversion to become people who give witness to mercy, let us take with us these words of Pope Francis: The Chuch in this time of great historical change is called to offer more evident signs of God s presence and closeness. This is not the time to be distracted; on the contrary, we need to be vigilent and to reawaken in ourselves the capacity to see what is essential. This is the time for the church to rediscover the meaning of the mission entrusted to Her by the Lord on the day of Easter: to be a sign and an instrument of the Father s mercy This is the time for mercy... to heal wounds, a time not to be weary of meeting all those who are waiting to see and to touch with their hands the signs of the closeness of God, the time to offer everyone, the way of forgiveness and reconciliation. (Homily, 11th April 2015) Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be world without end. Amen. Pilgrims may also refer to Appendix 2 to 4 for other prayers of devotion. There is also a guide to help penitents make confession in Appendix 5.

10 Appendix 1. References to the Sacred Scriptures in Misericordiae Vultus 2. Litany of the Saints 3. The Mysteries of the Rosary 4. Stations of the Cross 5. Sacrament of Reconciliation

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19 Appendix 2

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21 Appendix 2

22 Appendix 3 The Mysteries of the Rosary Joyful Mystery of the Rosary (Monday & Saturday) 1. The Annunciation Mary learns that she has been chosen to be the mother of Jesus. The angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town of Galilee called Nazareth. And coming to Mary, he said, Hail, favored one! The Lord is with you. (Lk 1:26-28) 2. The Visitation Mary visits Elizabeth, who tells her that she will always be remembered. Mary set out and traveled to the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary s greeting, the infant leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, cried out in a loud voice and said, Most blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. (Lk 1:39-45) 3. The Birth of Our Lord Jesus is born in a stable in Bethlehem. And Mary gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger... And suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests. (Lk 2:1-20) 4. The Presentation in the Temple Mary and Joseph take the infant Jesus to the Temple to present him to God. Mary and Joseph took the baby Jesus to the Temple to present him to the Lord. At the temple Simeon and Anna came forward, gave thanks to God and spoke about Jesus to all who were present. (Lk 2:22-38) 5. The Finding of the Child Jesus in the Temple Jesus is found in the Temple discussing his faith with the teachers. The boy Jesus remained behind in Jerusalem, but his parents did not know it. After three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. (Lk 2:41-50)

23 Appendix 3 Luminous Mystery of the Rosary (Thursday) 1. The Baptism in the Jordan God proclaims that Jesus is his beloved Son. And a voice came from the heavens, saying, This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased. (Mt. 3:17) 2. The Wedding at Cana At Mary s request, Jesus performs his first miracle. Women, how does your concern affect me? My hour has not yet come. His mother said to the servers, Do whatever he tells you. (Jn 2:1-12) 3. The Proclamation of the Kingdom of God Jesus calls all to conversion and service to the Kingdom. This is the time of fulfillment. The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel. (Mk 1:15) 4. The Transfiguration of Jesus Jesus is revealed in glory to Peter, James, and John. While he was praying his face changed in appearance and his clothing became dazzling white. (Lk9:29) 5. The Institution of the Eucharist Jesus offers his Body and Blood at the Last Supper. Before the feast of Passover, Jesus knew that his hour had come to pass from this world to the Father. He loved his own in the world and he loved them to the end. (Jn 13:1)

24 Appendix 3 Sorrowful Mystery of the Rosary (Tuesday & Friday) 1. The Agony in the Garden Jesus prays in the Garden of Gethsemane on the night before he dies. Jesus went to a place called Gethsemane to pray. My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me; yet, not as I will, but as you will. (Mt 26:36-46) 2. The Scourging at the Pillar Jesus is lashed with whips. The chief priests with the elders and the scribes held a council. They bound Jesus, led him away, and handed him over to Pilate. Pilate, wishing to satisfy the crowd, had Jesus scourged and handed him over to be crucified. (Mk 15:1-16) 3. The Crowning with Thorns Jesus is mocked and crowned with thorns. They stripped off his clothes and threw a scarlet military cloak about him. Weaving a crown out of thorns, they placed it on his head, and a reed in his right hand. And kneeling before him, they mocked him, saying, Hail, King of the Jews! (Mt 27:27-31) 4. The Carrying of the Cross Jesus carries the cross that will be used to crucify him. Jesus, weak from being beaten, was unable to carry His cross to Golgotha alone. Simon, a Cyrenian, helped him. (Mk 15:20-22) 5. The Crucifixion Jesus is nailed to the cross and dies. When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him and the criminals there, one on his right, the other on his left. Jesus said, Father, forgive them, they know not what they do. (Lk 23:33-46)

25 Appendix 3 Glorious Mystery of the Rosary (Wednesday & Sunday) 1. The Resurrection God the Father raises Jesus from the dead. Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the tomb. An angel appeared and said, Do not be afraid! I know that you are seeking Jesus the crucified. He is not here, for He has been raised just as He said. (Mt 28:1-10) 2. The Ascension Jesus returns to his Father in heaven.. As Jesus blessed them He parted from them and was taken up to heaven. (Lk 24:44-53) 3. The Descent of the Holy Spirit The Holy Spirit comes to bring new life to the disciples. Jesus came and stood in their midst and said to them, Peace be with you. Receive the Holy Spirit. (Jn 14:15-21) 4. The Assumption of Our Lady into Heaven At the end of her life on earth, Mary is taken body and soul into heaven. Finally the Immaculate Virgin, preserved free from all stain of original sin, when the course of her earthly life was finished, was taken up body and soul into heavenly glory. (from Munificentissimus Deus (1950):DS 3903) 5. The Coronation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Mary is crowned as Queen of Heaven and Earth. We believe that the Holy Mother of God, the new Eve, Mother of the Church, continues in heaven to exercise her maternal role on behalf of the members of Christ. (from the Solemn Profession of Faith: Credo of the People of God)

26 Appendix 4 STATIONS OF THE CROSS Opening Prayer The way of the cross begins anew every day. We meet Christ in the streets, market square, in the hospitals, in prisons, everyday work environment, in schools. Do we try to bring to others some of His peace and love? Lord, help us to be generous enough to walk the road to Calvary as you did, and to work for justice, love and peace. THE FIRST STATION JESUS IS CONDEMNED TO DEATH We adore You, O Christ and we bless You Because by your Holy Cross, You have redeemed the world Pilate called the people and said, I have examined him and I have not found Him guilty of any of the things of which you accuse Him. I will have Him whipped then and let Him go. The whole crowd cried out. Kill Him! To the cross with Him to the cross. (Luke 23:13-14,21) (Pause) Unborn & Sentenced to Death Lord, we recognize You in the unborn and the one sentenced to death, both have the right to life and the opportunity to repent and to make the world a better place. Lord Jesus, crucified Have mercy on us.

27 Appendix 4 THE SECOND STATION JESUS CARRIES HIS CROSS We adore You, O Christ and we bless You Because by your Holy Cross, You have redeemed the world When the crowd had finished making fun of Jesus, they led Him out to nail to the Cross (Mk 15:20). He starts to walk with it through the streets and uphill towards Calvary. (Pause) Children with Special Needs Lord we see You in the child with special needs we realize that every child has the right to be loved, educated with empathy and be given a conducive environment for integral human development. Lord Jesus, crucified Have mercy on us.

28 Appendix 4 THE THIRD STATION JESUS FALLS THE FIRST TIME We adore You, O Christ and we bless You Because by your Holy Cross, You have redeemed the world Consider the first fall of Jesus under the cross. They had made a crown of thorny branches and put it on His head. They had beaten Him over the head with a stick. (Mark 15: 17, 19). Christ was so weakened that He could scarcely walk and yet He had to carry the great load upon His shoulders.(pause) Addiction Lord, when we look around us we see many people fall under the weight of poverty of the mind, body, soul and spirit. We fail to see Christ falling through persons captive to addictions. Under the weight of this affliction, it is in the rising with you that we can walk with such as these. Lord Jesus, crucified Have mercy on us.

29 Appendix 4 THE FOURTH STATION JESUS MEETS HIS MOTHER We adore You, O Christ and we bless You Because by your Holy Cross, You have redeemed the world There was never a greater union or communion than the one between Jesus and His Mother. Sometimes their thoughts ran on quite different lines, as happened at the marriage in Cana and when Mary found Her young son in the Temple, but never do we find any sign of anger, impatience or rejection between them. (Pause) Family What an example Lord, you and your Mother give us. Reconciliation with God and with one another is an essential goal of Christian life. Jesus, Mary, help us to remain in one mind, united by the same Spirit, in spite of our differences in age, education and the ways in which we think. Lord Jesus, crucified Have mercy on us.

30 Appendix 4 THE THIRD STATION JESUS FALLS THE FIRST TIME We adore You, O Christ and we bless You Because by your Holy Cross, You have redeemed the world Consider the first fall of Jesus under the cross. They had made a crown of thorny branches and put it on His head. They had beaten Him over the head with a stick. (Mark 15: 17, 19). Christ was so weakened that He could scarcely walk and yet He had to carry the great load upon His shoulders.(pause) Addiction Lord, when we look around us we see many people fall under the weight of poverty of the mind, body, soul and spirit. We fail to see Christ falling through persons captive to addictions. Under the weight of this affliction, it is in the rising with you that we can walk with such as these. Lord Jesus, crucified Have mercy on us.

31 Appendix 4 THE FOURTH STATION JESUS MEETS HIS MOTHER We adore You, O Christ and we bless You Because by your Holy Cross, You have redeemed the world There was never a greater union or communion than the one between Jesus and His Mother. Sometimes their thoughts ran on quite different lines, as happened at the marriage in Cana and when Mary found Her young son in the Temple, but never do we find any sign of anger, impatience or rejection between them. (Pause) Family What an example Lord, you and your Mother give us. Reconciliation with God and with one another is an essential goal of Christian life. Jesus, Mary, help us to remain in one mind, united by the same Spirit, in spite of our differences in age, education and the ways in which we think. Lord Jesus, crucified Have mercy on us.

32 Appendix 4 THE FIFTH STATION SIMON OF CYRENE HELPS JESUS CARRY THE CROSS We adore You, O Christ and we bless You Because by your Holy Cross, You have redeemed the world They took Jesus away. As they went, they met a man named Simon, who was coming into the city from the country. They seized him, put the cross on him and made him carry it. (Pause) Migrants Lord, you needed the help of Simon in the salvation of the world. You need each one of us. Help us to do all in our power to encourage the free and responsible participation of every man in the building up of a Christian world. Lord Jesus, crucified Have mercy on us.

33 Appendix 4 THE SIXTH STATION VERONICA WIPES THE FACE OF JESUS We adore You, O Christ and we bless You Because by your Holy Cross, You have redeemed the world Veronica goes out of her way to show sympathy to one who is condemned to death. St. Paul reminds us, Don t be afraid. Always be courageous, for you have been given the privilege of serving Christ not only by believing in Him but also by suffering for him. (Pause) Justice & Peace We encounter you, Lord and get opportunities of serving you in every act of our daily life, in our work, our leisure, in our struggles, in our struggles of our brothers and sisters. But sometimes Lord, we are afraid of the crowd, afraid to pull down the barriers that prevent us from reaching out to others. Give us the faith and courage of Veronica. Lord Jesus, crucified Have mercy on us.

34 Appendix 4 THE SEVENTH STATION JESUS FALLS THE SECOND TIME We adore You, O Christ and we bless You Because by your Holy Cross, You have redeemed the world He took upon Himself the iniquities of us all. He was offered because it was His own will. (Pause) Refugees We honour the dignity in these persons as each one of us is created in Your image and likeness Through Your rising from the second fall, we rise with You to create awareness, educate, empower and advocate. Lord Jesus, crucified Have mercy on us.

35 Appendix 4 THE EIGHTH STATION JESUS MEETS THE WOMEN OF JERUSALEM We adore You, O Christ and we bless You Because by your Holy Cross, You have redeemed the world A large crowd of people followed Him; among them were some women who were weeping and waiting for Him. Jesus turned to them and said, Women of Jerusalem, don t cry for Me, but for yourselves and your children. (Lk 23:27-28) There is no sin so small, so obscure that it does not produce suffering. (Pause) Women & Children Lord, once again we pray to You for the courage to repent, to change, to take our share in building up Your kingdom. Let us not weep and remain passive simply because things are not the way we would like them to be but transform them into a means of sanctification and salvation for us. Lord Jesus, crucified Have mercy on us.

36 Appendix 4 THE NINTH STATION JESUS FALLS THE THIRD TIME We adore You, O Christ and we bless You Because by your Holy Cross, You have redeemed the world Completely drained of strength I lie, collapsed upon cobblestones. My body cannot move. No blows, no kicks can rouse it up. And yet, My Will is Mine. And so is yours. Know this My other self, your body may be broken, but no force on earth and none in hell can take away your will. Your will is yours. (Pause) Prisoners Loving Lord you always come to meet us wherever we are. Give to all those serving sentences in our prisons the strength to lift first their eyes and then their hearts to recognise Your light. Help us to realize there is no justice without mercy and forgiveness. Lord Jesus, crucified Have mercy on us.

37 Appendix 4 THE TENTH STATION JESUS IS STRIPPED OF HIS GARMENTS We adore You, O Christ and we bless You Because by your Holy Cross, You have redeemed the world When Jesus is stripped at Golgotha, He is stripped also of His dignity, His respects, His rights. He is also stripped of His life. Our Lord is with no assistance. He stands alone; naked, beaten, bruised, tortured and tormented. (Pause) Urban Poor Today, Lord, You are stripped of Your garments in the defenseless who are denied all human dignity- in those who have no one to plead their cause Lord, make us instruments of your peace. Where there is hatred, let us sow love. Where there is injury, pardon. Lord Jesus, crucified Have mercy on us.

38 Appendix 4 THE ELEVENTH STATION JESUS IS NAILED TO THE CROSS We adore You, O Christ and we bless You Because by your Holy Cross, You have redeemed the world When they came to the place called The Skull, they nailed Jesus to the cross there, and the two criminals, one on His right and one on His left. (Lk 23:33) (Pause) Differently Abled Lord, You make each living person in Your image as Your gift of love and commitment to the human race. A seed to build a community of interdependence and respect for all life. We give thanks for those who are differently abled who contribute their time and talent in the building up of Your kingdom. Lord Jesus, crucified Have mercy on us.

39 Appendix 4 THE TWELFTH STATION JESUS DIES ON THE CROSS We adore You, O Christ and we bless You Because by your Holy Cross, You have redeemed the world It was about 12 o clock when the sun stopped shining and darkness covered the whole country until 3 o clock and the curtain hanging in the Temple was torn in two. Jesus cried out in a loud voice, Father, into Your hands I place my spirit. He said this and died. (Pause) Trafficking Lord, help us to die daily to self interest, to self sufficiency. Help us to commit ourselves to the work of salvation so that we shall be able to say with you, Into Your hands I commend my spirit. Lord Jesus, crucified Have mercy on us.

40 Appendix 4 THE THIRTEENTH STATION JESUS IS TAKEN DOWN FROM THE CROSS We adore You, O Christ and we bless You Because by your Holy Cross, You have redeemed the world The struggle, the suffering is over for Jesus. He is beyond the reach of His enemies and their power to inflict pain. But His enemies, who are still living, are not at peace because they have spilled innocent blood and they too must leave this world sooner or later and go to God. They will not be at peace until they are reconciled with Jesus whom they persecuted, with all men. (Pause) Persons living with HIV Lord, You are at peace because You had that greatest love of all. You gave up everything including Your own life for Your brothers and sisters. May we understand that we can only share in Your peace and bring Your peace to the world if we set aside our inhibitions and selfishness and learn to love as You love. Lord Jesus, crucified Have mercy on us.

41 Appendix 4 THE FOURTEENTH STATION JESUS IS LAID IN THE TOMB We adore You, O Christ and we bless You Because by your Holy Cross, You have redeemed the world When we were baptized into union with Christ Jesus, we were buried with Him and shared His death in order that just as Christ was raised from death by the glorious power of the Father so also we might live a new life. (Romans 6:3-4) (Pause) Elderly Lord, help us to recognize You in the elderly. They have contributed much to their families and the community in the prime of their lives and need our presence and companionship to spend their last years with dignity and respect. Bless those who have grown gracefully in Your love and give them courage and strength in their faith. Lead us all to eternal glory. Lord Jesus, crucified Have mercy on us.

42 Appendix 4 CLOSING PRAYER Jesus, Risen Savior, help us to become a part of Your great redemptive act, Your Passover. Help us to make our own journey with You, turning away from sin and selfishness and giving ourselves wholeheartedly to You, so that we will have the genuine happiness of being with You and the Father and the Holy Spirit for ever in heaven. Amen. Let us say One Our Father, Hail Mary & Glory Be for the intentions of the Pope.

43 Appendix 5 A Guide for Confession The basic requirement for a good confession is to have the intention of returning to God like the prodigal son and to acknowledge our sins with true sorrow before the priest. Sin in my Life Modern society has lost a sense of sin. As a Catholic follower of Christ, I must make an effort to recognize sin in my daily actions, words and omissions. The Gospels show how important is the forgiveness of our sins. Lives of saints prove that the person who grows in holiness has a stronger sense of sin, sorrow for sins, and a need for the Sacrament of Penance or Confession. The Differences in Sins As a result of Original Sin, human nature is weakened. Baptism, by imparting the life of Christ s grace, takes away Original Sin, and turns us back toward God. The consequences of this weakness and the inclination to evil persist, and we often commit personal or actual sin. Actual sin is sin which people commit. There are two kinds of actual sin, mortal and venial. Mortal sin is a deadly offense against God, so horrible that it destroys the life of grace in the soul. Three simultaneous conditions must be fulfilled for a mortal sin: 1) the act must be something very serious; 2) the person must have sufficient understanding of what is being done; 3) the person must have sufficient freedom of the will. Remember If you need help especially if you have been away for some time simply ask the priest and he will help you by walking you through the steps to make a good confession.

44 Before Confession Be truly sorry for your sins. The essential act of Penance, on the part of the penitent, is contrition, a clear and decisive rejection of the sin committed, together with a resolution not to commit it again, out of the love one has for God and which is reborn with repentance. The resolution to avoid committing these sins in the future (amendment) is a sure sign that your sorrow is genuine and authentic. This does not mean that a promise never to fall again into sin is necessary. A resolution to try to avoid the near occasions of sin suffices for true repentance. God s grace in cooperation with the intention to rectify your life will give you the strength to resist and overcome temptation in the future. Examination of Conscience Before going to Confession you should make a review of mortal and venial sins since your last sacramental confession, and should express sorrow for sins, hatred for sins and a firm resolution not to sin again. A helpful pattern for examination of conscience is to review the Commandments of God and the Precepts of the Church: 1. Have God and the pursuit of sanctity in Christ been the goal of my life? Have I denied my faith? Have I placed my trust in false teachings or substitutes for God? Did I despair of God s mercy? 2. Have I avoided the profane use of God s name in my speech? Have I broken a solemn vow or promise? 3. Have I honored every Sunday by avoiding unnecessary work, celebrating the Mass (also holydays)? Was I inattentive at, or unnecessarily late for Mass, or did I leave early? Have I neglected prayer for a long time? 4. Have I shown Christlike respect to parents, spouse, and family members, legitimate authorities? Have I been attentive to the religious education and formation of my children?

45 5. Have I cared for the bodily health and safety of myself and all others? Did I abuse drugs or alcohol? Have I supported in any way abortion, mercy killing, or suicide? 6. Was I impatient, angry, envious, proud, jealous, revengeful, lazy? Have I forgiven others? 7. Have I been just in my responsibilities to employer and employees? Have I discriminated against others because of race or other reasons? 8. Have I been chaste in thought and word? Have I used sex only within marriage and while open to procreating life? Have I given myself sexual gratification? Did I deliberately look at impure TV, pictures, reading? 9. Have I stolen anything from another, from my employer, from government? If so, am I ready to repay it? Did I fulfill my contracts? Did I rashly gamble, depriving my family of necessities? 10. Have I spoken ill of any other person? Have I always told the truth? Have I kept secrets and confidences? 11. Have I permitted sexual thoughts about someone to whom I am not married? 12. Have I desired what belongs to other people? Have I wished ill on another? 13. Have I been faithful to sacramental living (Holy Communion and Penance)?

46 14. Have I helped make my parish community stronger and holier? Have I contributed to the support of the Church? 15. Have I done penance by abstaining and fasting on obligatory days? Have I fasted before receiving communion? 16. Have I been mindful of the poor? Do I accept God s will for me? During Confession After examining your conscience and telling God of your sorrow, go into the confessional. You may kneel at the screen or sit to talk face-to-face with the priest. Begin your confession with the sign of the cross, In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. My last confession was weeks (months, years) ago. The priest may read a passage from holy Scripture. Say the sins that you remember. Start with the one(s) that is most difficult to say. (In order to make a good confession the faithful must confess all mortal sins, according to kind and number.) After confessing all the sins you remember since your last good confession, you may conclude by saying, I am sorry for these and all the sins of my past life. Listen to the words of the priest. He will assign you some penance. Doing the penance will diminish the temporal punishment due to sins already forgiven. When invited, express some prayer of sorrow or Act of Contrition such as: An Act of Contrition O my God, I am heartily sorry for having offended you and I detest all my sins, because I dread the loss of heaven and the pains of hell. But most of all because I have offended you, my God, who are all good and deserving of all my love. I firmly resolve with the help of your grace, to confess my sins, to do penance and to amend my life. Amen.

47 At the End of Confession Listen to the words of absolution, the sacramental forgiveness of the Church through the ordained priest. As you listen to the words of forgiveness you may make the sign of the cross with the priest. If he closes by saying, Give thanks to the Lord for He is good, answer, For His mercy endures forever. After Confession Give thanks to God for forgiving you again. If you recall some serious sin you forgot to tell, rest assured that it has been forgiven with the others, but be sure to confess it in your next Confession. Do your assigned Penance. Resolve to return to the Sacrament of Reconciliation often. We Catholics are fortunate to have the Sacrament of Reconciliation. It is the ordinary way for us to have our sins forgiven. This sacrament is a powerful help to get rid of our weaknesses, grow in holiness, and lead a balanced and virtuous life.

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