RECONCILIATION

One of the painful parts of being human is confronting the times when we have done wrong: hurting others, making unethical choices, betraying trust or responsibility placed upon us, ignoring evils or injustices that we know we should resist. Jesus taught us the best way to live: in right relationship with God, each other, and the world. In his wisdom, he told his followers that our ability to live ever more fully into these ways grows over time in the Christian life, supported by prayer, study, and our community of faith. That community has long recognized the value of acknowledging our wrongdoings to ourselves, another person, and God, and of seeking the grace and renewal of forgiveness.

Our eucharist service includes a “general confession,” a time for our community (and each of us in community) to recognize and admit together the ways in which we each have fallen short of how God calls us to act, and to ask for Christ’s forgiveness. Each person is encouraged to reflect before the service on what parts of his or her life should be silently offered at this time for renewal and forgiveness.

At times an individual will find that this regular “general confession” does not fully address their desire to seek forgiveness, for a variety of possible reasons or circumstances. In those situations our priests are available to meet confidentially with individuals to hear those burdens, in the sharing of one sinner with another, and to ask God’s forgiveness and assistance in renewal of life. This “rite of reconciliation” is not required of anyone, but provided for those who find it healing. Some make it a regular part of their spiritual lives, while others seek it out occasionally or in special circumstances.

If you would like to participate in the rite of reconciliation, or to learn more about it, speak to one of our priests.