Faith Tidbit The Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation: Forgiveness in Four Easy Steps Excerpts from the United Stated Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) by Rev. Msgr. Richard B. Hilgartner Most likely all of us have experienced a relationship that is damaged from a hurt or offense. Some process of healing or repair is usually required to restore the relationship, be it an apology or more significant gesture. The Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation is the means Jesus left with us for just such restoration in our relationship with Jesus, the Church, and one another. Some of the elements of this Sacrament require work on our part. The forgiving is up to God and is embodied in Jesus who embodies that forgiveness in His ministry and preaching, and in His Passion, Death, and Resurrection. We move toward God seeking forgiveness and God moves toward us in forgiving and bringing about reconciliation. We are justified in the action of God in Christ. Monsignor Hilgartner refers to the story of Zacchaeus, the tax collector (Luke 19:1-10). Zacchaeus knew he Jesus, knowing that Jesus would most likely see him. Zacchaeus responds to God s prompting and invitation to grace. Jesus enters into his life in order to bring healing and conversion which is then seen in Zacchaeus stating her will make restitution to anyone he cheated. Understanding sin can be helpful in understanding forgiveness. Sin offends God and harms our relationships with others. It is a choice to do the wrong or avoid doing good. Since we actively participate in doing wrong, we must actively participate in being forgiven. Monsignor goes on to look at our part in the Rite of Penance confession, contrition, satisfaction, and absolution. Confession admitting and naming one s sins, acknowledging the judgment of God over his/her actions. Contrition expression of sorrow for one s sins; a heartfelt sorrow and aversion for the sin committed with the intention of sinning no more. Contrition comes from understanding the nature of one s relationship with God as an invitation/call to discipleship, and an awareness of how one has not lived up to that call and knowing that only God can help in resisting temptation to sin. Satisfaction sinner s intent to heal the harm done by the sin, often accomplished in part or full through the penance given. Prayers can help reorient the penitent to the presence of Jesus and His great love for sinners. Concrete gestures can help repair a relationship with the one harmed. Absolution offered by the priest acting in persona Christi, in the person of Christ. This is where God s healing takes place. It has a real voice and a real face in the person of the priest. Only the sacramental celebration of the Sacrament is the gift of forgiveness offered in such a concrete form. This prayer seeks God s pardon and peace for us. The priest declares, I absolve you and the penitent knows for sure he/she is forgiven. It is a powerful moment and experience, an amazing gift that we hopefully receive in gratitude and humility. This is meant to be a source of joy. Whenever we take a step toward Jesus, we come to realize He is already there waiting for us with open arms. Monsignor concludes by asking us to consider making that examination of conscience, then coming to the Sacrament Jesus entrusted to the Church for our forgiveness. God never tires of forgiving us. So, what do you think? Can you make time for Jesus in this wonderful Sacrament of Healing? Maybe on a more regular basis?
Monday, February 2 Tuesday, February 3 Please bring non-perishable food item(s) with you to class. There will be collection boxes in the lobby. All items collected will be given to the Lord s Pantry for distribution. Thank you!
Some Ideas related to the Soup er Bowl collection for Confirmation Candidates Help your family straightened up your family s food cupboard. The time spent is service. Ask your parent(s) if you can collect food in your neighborhood for the food drive. You can leave a flyer at everyone s home stating that you are collecting non-perishable items for the Lord s Pantry and tell them where to place item(s) on a certain day for collection. EXAMPLE (you may wish to add pictures, etc.) Collecting non-perishable food for the Lord s Pantry on Sunday FEBRUARY 1 Please leave your donation in a bag next to your mailbox by 10:00AM. Thank you in advance for your donation. Your neighbor, Jane Smith Then, be sure to collect the items at the time you say you will. All time used to print, distribute flyers and collect the items is service.
2014-2015 Schedule for First Reconciliation and First Holy communion Date Event September 3 September 16 September 27 Week of November 10 Week of January 5 Parents/Guardians receive Sacrament Packets at Back to School; thereafter packets picked up in PREP OFFICE PENANCE, COMMUNION and Confirmation Parent Forum; 8:00 am- 12:00 noon at least one parent/guardian to attend First Penance/First Communion Packets are due to the child s teacher Basic Prayer & Knowledge Checklist due to child s Teacher Children celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation for the First time: Wednesday, January 28, 7:00 pm Church Thursday, January 29, 7:00 pm Church Week of March 9 Week of March 30 Group 1 - Children whose last name begins A through K Group 2 - Children whose last name begins L through Z Teachers distribute banner materials and instructions. Family banners are due to each child s teacher. Wednesday, April 22 3:30-5:00 p.m., Church Thursday, April 23 GROUP 1 rehearses in Church.* Children whose last name begins A through K GROUP 2 rehearses in Church.* Children whose last name begins L through Z 3:30-5:00 p.m., Church Saturday, April 25, 2015 children celebrate First Holy Communion 8:45 a.m. 9:30 a.m. Children gather in Education Center (School), then process over to Church for Mass Group 1 children whose last name begins A~K 11:15 a.m. 12:00 noon Parish May Procession Thursday, May 7 @ 7:00 pm Children gather in Education Center (School), then process over to Church for Mass Group 2 children whose last name begins L~Z ALL PARISHONERS INVITED TO ATTEND First Communicants please attend wearing First Communion Finery. * Please make arrangements early to have your child at practice. There is only ONE practice for each group. Your child attends the practice which corresponds with the Mass during which they receive their First Holy Communion. May we suggest that you pick your child up at school or arrange carpooling so that everyone is on time. Please also remember to give your child a snack before practice. At the end of practice, children MUST be picked-up in the Church. Thank you.
Schedule for Reconciliation (over) Wednesday, January 28, 2015 at 7:00 pm -Group 1 Children whose last name begins A through K Thursday, January 29, 2015 at 7:00 pm - Group 2 Children whose last name begins L through Z **** Note: The rite of Penance will begin promptly at 7:00p.m. Please arrive early enough to pick up your child s envelope in the narthex. The children will all sit together and their family and friends will be seated in the remainder of the available pews. There will be NO seating in pews where confessions are being heard. We are fortunate to have 8-10 priests available to hear Confessions. The children will be invited to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation first, and then all family members are encouraged to receive this Sacrament of God s love and forgiveness as well. Thank you. Dress Code for First Reconciliation We ask that the children dress respectably for Church and the reception of a sacrament. Please respect your child s privacy; there is NO picture taking, video or audio taping during the sacrament. Schedule for First Holy Communion Rehearsals: Wednesday, April 22: 3:30-5:00 p.m., Church GROUP 1 - Children whose last name begins A through K Thursday, April 23: 3:30-5:00 p.m., Church Group 2 Children whose last name begins L through Z Saturday, April 25, 2015 children celebrate First Holy Communion 9:30a.m. Mass: GROUP 1 - Children whose last name begins A through K Children should arrive at the Education Center (school) by 8:45 a.m. Parents, family and friends may go directly to the Church. 12:00 noon Mass: GROUP 2 - Children whose last name begins L through Z Children should arrive at the Education Center (school) by 11:15 a.m. Parents, family and friends may go directly to the Church. Dress Code for First Holy Communion Boys: dress shirt tie (any color) suit or sport jacket dress slacks dress shoes Girls: white dress white socks or tights white dress shoes optional: veil NO sneakers, gloves, rosaries, jewelry, purses or flowers, please! During the Liturgy, there is NO video or picture taking. Each child will receive a professionally made DVD.
2014-2015 Schedule for Confirmation Candidates Date September 3 September 16 September 27, 2014 Month of November Week of November 10 Week of November 17 January 1 Week of January 12 January 14 Event Parents/Guardians receive Confirmation Packets at Back to School(PREP); thereafter packets picked up in PREP OFFICE Sacrament Parent Forum; 8:00 am- 12 noon at least one parent/guardian to attend Students receive Saint project information in class; teachers assign due dates. Students are measured for robes. (private school and home school families please make arrangements to bring you child in for measurements) Confirmation packets are due to the child s teacher or the PREP Office. Missing Sponsors Letters of Eligibility due to PREP office. Teachers distribute banner materials and instructions. Retreat Parent/volunteers meeting; 6:30PM Parish Meeting Center (behind school building) January 31, 2015 Week of February 2 Week of February 9 Wednesday February 25 3:30 5:00 pm Thursday February 26 3:30 5:00 pm Confirmation Retreat ALL Candidates 8:00 am 1:00 pm comfortable attire which is appropriate for Mass Parents and guests invited to attend closing Mass at 12 noon Knowledge Checklist due to the child s teacher. Confirmation Service Hours form due to child s teacher Banner due candidate s teacher. Group 1 (A~L) mandatory Confirmation rehearsal. * Group 2 (M~Z) mandatory Confirmation rehearsal. * Sacrament of Confirmation is conferred: Group 1 (A~L)receives Confirmation at 10:00am Mass Confirmandi arrive at Education Center (school) at 9:15 am. February 28, 2015 Group 2 (M~Z)receives Confirmation at 2:00pm Mass Confirmandi arrive at Education Center (school) 1:15 pm Parish May Procession Thursday, May 7 @ 7:00 pm p ALL PARISHONERS INVITED TO ATTEND Newly Confirmed, please attend wearing Confirmation robes. Groups: Group 1: Confirmandi whose last names beginning A through L Group 2: Confirmandi whose last names beginning M through Z Clothing:Gentlemen... Confirmation Robe over Dress slacks, dress shirt, tie, comfortable dress shoes (NO sneakers), NO jewelry... hair off forehead Ladies... Confirmation robe over dress OR skirt with dress blouse/sweater appropriate for Mass, comfortable dress shoes (NO sneakers), pantyhose/tights, NO jewelry, NO flowers... hair off forehead During the Liturgy, there is NO video or picture taking. Each child will receive a professionally made DVD. *Please make arrangements early to have your child at practice. May we suggest that you check your calendar NOW for any scheduling conflicts. Also, you may wish to pick your child up at school or arrange carpooling so that everyone is on time. A before practice snack may be helpful for most students.
Love Is Our Mission: The Family Fully Alive Creating the Future Marriage is meant to be fertile and welcome new life. Children shape the future, just as they themselves are shaped in their families. Without children, there can be no future. Children reared with love and guidance are the foundation for a loving future. Wounded children portend a wounded future. Families are the bedrock for all larger communities. Families are domestic churches, places where parents help children discover that God loves them and has a plan for each child s life. (Preparatory Catechesis for the VIII World Meeting of Families, Love is Our Mission: The Family Fully Alive, Introduction to Part V). Like many other relationships, marriage includes love, loyalty, and commitment. In addition, marriage is the covenant built on the procreative power of male and female and our response to this covenant. The Sacrament of Marriage makes the power of God s covenant fidelity, as well as his Trinitarian relationship (F, S, HS), available of a husband and wife. The question of whether and when to have children rests on love in the shape of service, sacrifice, trust, and openness to God s generosity. When spouses become parents after the pattern of Christ s love for us, this same love orients parents to their children s education and spiritual formation, leading them to a relationship with God and His people. Children cannot form this relationship on their own. They need to be taught at home and in church, through modeled prayer. Children need to see their parents and others demonstrating solidarity with the poor and doing things to serve the poor. Daily prayer as a family and regular participation in Sunday Mass is key to forming the family of God that Christ came to form. Family and Church depend upon one another; it serves the parish and is served by the parish. There is no substitute for ordinary parishioners simply befriending and serving the needs of one another during the week, fulfilling the life-giving law of Christ. Have you ever prayed with a child? read the Bible with a child? discussed some aspect of faith with a child? mentored a child, even if the child is not your own? Please join us all in prayer as we prepare for this wonderful event. God and Father of us all, in Jesus, your Son and our Savior, you have made us your sons and daughters in the family of the Church. May your grace and love help our families in every part of the world be united to one another in fidelity to the Gospel. May the example of the Holy Family, with the aid of your Holy Spirit, guide all families, especially those most troubled, to be homes of communion and prayer and to always seek your truth and live in your love. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, pray for us!
2014-2015 St Joseph PREP Calendar PREP@stjosephrc.org www.stjosephrc.org/prep S M Tu W Th F S S M Tu W Th F S NO PREP CLASSES 1 2 Aug 1 - Mary, Mother of God, Holy Day 28 29 30 31 1 2 3 Jan 2014 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 2015 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 15 - Assumption of the BVM Holy Day 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 28 & 29 - First Penance 31- CONFIRMATION RETREAT 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 Sept 31 1 2 3 4 5 6 1-Labor Day 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Feb 2014 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 ALL PREP volunteers meet 18- ASH WEDNESDAY 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 2015 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 PREP classes begin 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 27 - Parent Sacrament Forum At least one Parent of children NO PREP classes inclement weather make-up days if 2 days are missed 28- CONFIRMATION Masses 10:00 AM & 2:00 PM 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 receiving Sacraments to attend 28 29 30 1 2 3 4 Oct begins at 8:00 AM with Mass 2,3 PREP confessions Level 2-5 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Mar 2014 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 8 - Daylight Savings time BEGINS 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 2015 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 NO PREP classes 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 Nov 26 27 28 29 30 31 1 1 - All Saints Day 29 30 31 1 2 3 4 Apr 2014 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 2- Daylight Savings time ENDS 5 - Easter 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 2015 Dec 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 24- PREP confession Level 3-6 27 - Thanksgiving 25- First Holy Communion Masses 9:30AM & 12 noon 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 NO PREP classes 26 27 28 29 30 1 2 May 30 1 2 3 4 5 6 2- PREP confession Level 3-6 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 2015 2014 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 8- Immaculate Conception Holy Day 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 NO PREP Classes 25 - Christmas, Holy Day LAST PREP CLASSES 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 14- Ascension Thursday Holy Day 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 First and Last PREP class PREP classes meet -Liturgical season: Ordinary Time PREP classes meet -Liturgical season: Advent or Lent PREP classes meet -Liturgical season: Christmas or Easter time NO PREP classes