Hi Bob B, Next question in regard to recovery and the Church. Can I still take communion, I am planning to go to Mass this evening....even though I haven't gone to confession in quite some time. I have done a 4th step/5th step with my Sponsor and am working through my 9th Step. Does that count? Or do I have to go to a Priest to have my sins absolved? The step work has actually cleansed me more on the inside than any confession I have ever made...Peace & Serenity, VWGirl
Geri, if you are able at this time, I wouldn't deprive myself of the graces of sacramental confession. of course, confession is probably not as extensive as 4th and 5th step work (because step work encompasses more than confession) and I am sure it won't take as long. and, of course, your sponsor or the person who worked the 5th step with you doesn't possess the powers of a priest. i just can't encourage you enough to experience, once again, sacramental confession -- particularly as an adult and as an adult in recovery -- it will have so much meaning for you.
the graces are emense ! don't shy away from it.
and with graces come strength, courage, inspiration and encouragement to endure. by all means, make time for confession. jesus knew that we needed these things in our lives.
of course, church law requires catholics to receive holy communion worthily at least once a year. for most, a worthy communion involves sacramental confession at least once a year. you may remember what was called the "Easter Duty" when you were younger -- many in the church still observe this -- making a good confession at least once a year during lent or the easter season (between easter and pentecost, 50 days later).
for confession, you can find outlines or guides for an examination of conscience either at your local church or there are many sources online these days. if you need help finding one, I'll be glad to assist. of course, the priest will be more than happy to assist you as well in the confessional -- he will probably walk you through the 10 commandments to prompt a good and worthy confession. just let him know you would like help.
and when you leave, just know that the promises of the scriptures have been fulfilled in you -- that with a worthy and contrite confession, your sins and transgressions are forgiven and you have been reconciled to God and to the faith community. it is so freeing ! we are truly starting over and starting fresh.
i would be remiss if i didn't point out that within the church, confession or reconciliation as we call it, is actually a celebration -- a celebration of the forgiveness of our transgressions, imperfections and failings. we celebrate the forgiveness that is ours. and just like sobriety is celebrated -- and you do it so well every day, as i can tell from your posts -- the forgiveness that God offers us through the church is also a great reason on celebrate -- and to give deep, deep thanks.
oh, and your communion will be much more intense and complete. for in the Eucharist, we give thanks to God, for his sacrafice for us, for redeeming us, for offering salvation for us, for teaching us, for forgiving us, because that is what the word eucharist means -- thanksgiving ! we go to confession to receive forgiveness -- and we go to communion with others to give thanks and praise.
in most parishes, confessions are heard 30 minutes before weekday masses and on saturday afternoons, or by appointment.
let me know if you feel that you need to know more.
the graces are emense ! don't shy away from it.
and with graces come strength, courage, inspiration and encouragement to endure. by all means, make time for confession. jesus knew that we needed these things in our lives.
of course, church law requires catholics to receive holy communion worthily at least once a year. for most, a worthy communion involves sacramental confession at least once a year. you may remember what was called the "Easter Duty" when you were younger -- many in the church still observe this -- making a good confession at least once a year during lent or the easter season (between easter and pentecost, 50 days later).
for confession, you can find outlines or guides for an examination of conscience either at your local church or there are many sources online these days. if you need help finding one, I'll be glad to assist. of course, the priest will be more than happy to assist you as well in the confessional -- he will probably walk you through the 10 commandments to prompt a good and worthy confession. just let him know you would like help.
and when you leave, just know that the promises of the scriptures have been fulfilled in you -- that with a worthy and contrite confession, your sins and transgressions are forgiven and you have been reconciled to God and to the faith community. it is so freeing ! we are truly starting over and starting fresh.
i would be remiss if i didn't point out that within the church, confession or reconciliation as we call it, is actually a celebration -- a celebration of the forgiveness of our transgressions, imperfections and failings. we celebrate the forgiveness that is ours. and just like sobriety is celebrated -- and you do it so well every day, as i can tell from your posts -- the forgiveness that God offers us through the church is also a great reason on celebrate -- and to give deep, deep thanks.
oh, and your communion will be much more intense and complete. for in the Eucharist, we give thanks to God, for his sacrafice for us, for redeeming us, for offering salvation for us, for teaching us, for forgiving us, because that is what the word eucharist means -- thanksgiving ! we go to confession to receive forgiveness -- and we go to communion with others to give thanks and praise.
in most parishes, confessions are heard 30 minutes before weekday masses and on saturday afternoons, or by appointment.
let me know if you feel that you need to know more.
