Dear Parishioners,

            Frequently parents say to me, “I wish I had more patience with my kids.”  Patience is, of course, a virtue not only needed by parents, but by us all.  Whether or not we’re parents, we all repeat, “I wish I had more patience with my _______ (you fill in the blank).”

            Similarly, I hear often, “I know I should be a better Christian example at work, but it’s really hard.  There is lots of gossip in my workplace.”

            At moments of introspection, many folks say, “I really would like to be closer to God.”

            Well, I have good news for all these people.  In the Sacrament of Penance (confession, reconciliation), the Lord not only forgives our sins, but He also provides us with needed grace to help us grow in virtue and holiness.  Both as a confessor and as a penitent, I have witnessed the Lord’s power working in this great Sacrament.  Personally, I try to confess at least every other week.

            The Lord Jesus established this sacrament on the evening of His resurrection.  The Gospel of St. John tells us that while the Apostles were gathered together behind locked doors, Jesus appeared in the midst of them and said, “Peace be with you!”  He then breathed on them and said, “Whose sins you forgive, they are forgiven.  Whose sins you retain, they are retained.”  The church’s mission of forgiveness continues today through the ministry of bishops and priests, our bishops being the successors of the Apostles and our priests sharers in their ministry.

            If you have a sincere desire to grow in virtue and holiness, come to this Sacrament.  I hope that you will consider receiving Penance this Wednesday, July 30, at 7:30 p.m. in the evening.

            May Christ’s peace be with you.

            Your brother in Christ,