During the liturgical seasons of Lent and Advent parishes offer penance services. A greater number of priests are available for the large numbers that attend. The service begins with the Liturgy of the Word, and continues with the Act of Contrition, Prayers of the Faithful and opportunities for Reconciliation.
The Sacrament, as the Catechism of the Catholic Church notes, is known by many names. Many refer to it as the Sacrament of Confession or Penance. It is also known as the Sacrament of Conversion or Forgiveness. Each is correct, since it focuses on key aspects of the sacrament.
“For me, Confession is freeing me from sin and returning to trying to do better,” said Maricela Rios, a parishioner at St. Frances of Rome, Wildomar. “After confession, I feel liberated and at peace.
The Sacrament of Reconciliation reconciles sinners to God and to the community. The Sacrament also challenges people to have the same kind of compassion and forgiveness for those who sin against them.
There are occasions when people feel some sort of apprehension toward the sacrament. Some are unsure how the process works, while others feel they have sinned too much or do not know where to start.
“The worst feeling people might have is that you are so bad that you feel guilty about having to go to Confession. But it should be the opposite,” said Brian Joos, youth minister at St. Frances of Rome. “We can have that reset button so that we can live a holy life.”
Receiving this sacrament regularly is not a sign of weakness, but is encouraged as a way of spiritual healing and health.
“If you haven’t gone to confession for many years, don’t be scared. Be joyful because today is your day of liberation,” said Father Mark Kotlarczyk, pastor at St. Frances of Rome.
“Remember that in Baptism the light of Christ has been given to us, but maybe it has been dulled. Maybe the flame is in danger of going out,” he said. “We come to receive God’s forgiveness and remove the barriers that sin causes.”
At St. Frances of Rome, 17 priests were present to hear confessions at a Penance Service on Feb. 23, the first scheduled Lenten Penance Service in the diocese.
Penance services often draw large crowds of people. Usually scheduled on a weekday evening, the sacrament is more accessible for those who normally work a daytime schedule.
This Lent about 80 penance services will be held in parishes throughout the diocese. A list of services can be found on the diocesan website, www.sbdiocese.org.