Just in Time

As you know, we are adjusting the weekend Mass schedule this weekend. This also means that our weekend confession schedule is adjusting. We will have confessions before four out of the six Masses each weekend. There will be confession before the morning Masses at St. John (7:15-7:45am) and St. Lawrence (7:45-8:15am).

Just in time for having Sunday morning confessions at St. John was an upgrade to the confessional. A couple of generous parishioners added soundproofing material to the inside of the confessional and installed thicker curtains. I hope that this makes the confessional even more private and dispels any fears that someone may have that he or she could be overheard.

Come in and try out the improved confessional! In all seriousness, the Sacrament of Reconciliation is a great opportunity to receive freedom. This week, we celebrate Independence Day on the fourth of July, which is the day our country was freed from British rule. In many ways the United States was founded upon the idea of freedom, the freedom to pursue a better life and a fulfilled life.

Living freedom means that we are unencumbered, and barriers to lead a fulfilled life are removed. In our country this could mean that all people have a right to education or that all people have a right to vote.

Living a fulfilled life from a Catholic perspective means that we are free to follow Christ unreservedly. The Good Lord uses the Sacrament of Reconciliation to free us from our sins. He has given us a way to remove our chains, our sins, and our brokenness and it is found in a powerful Sacrament.

If you have not been to confession recently, maybe the summer provides an opportunity to discover some of the habits of sin that need to be healed by Jesus. May all of us experience His love and mercy.

Sincerely in Christ,
Fr. Sean Wilson