Reconciliation
During the past 35 years as a priest, the tenderest and freeing moments of grace that I have experienced in my ENTIRE life have consistently been in the intimacy of the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Whatever your feelings about going directly to God or not needing a middle man like a priest, trust me, we have something profoundly sacred in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. People experience God’s forgiveness in the sacrament; the priest is there to help. Despite many varied and even painful experiences of priests acting institutionally rather than compassionately in confession, people still come to the sacrament and trust it as a vehicle of God’s forgiveness – even with the passing of many years and varied experiences.
It is still one of the most private, prayerful and protected conversation you will ever have. Also, please trust me that the priests you encounter here at Holy Family will offer profound compassion adding to the forgiveness that God offers – sacramentally.
Covid has presented some additional challenges but I have to also admit that the manner in which we are offering the Sacrament of Reconciliation now is very reverent. The accompanying photo depicts how two chairs are arranged in church for 1-1 Reconciliation 6 feet apart.
We offer Reconciliation EVERY Monday evening from 5:00-6:30pm. Registrations are required but your name is never requested to assure anonymity and privacy. We only need to know that you will attend. 10 minute slots are reserved for each reconciliation taking place in the church instead of the Reconciliation Room. Obviously extra time may be needed on occasion. As was the case before Covid, we simply ask that you respect that others might be waiting. The Church will be empty except for the priest. People wait in the Narthex until they are free to come to the priest seated at the sanctuary steps beneath our powerful Cross of New Life. Instrumental music will play to assure added privacy. As the photo indicates, the priest will sanitize the chair after each penitent as per Archdiocesan and State protocols.
Unfortunately, because of Covid, we will not be offering a communal service of the sacrament, so please take advantage of the time it is offered EVERY Monday evening with two priests available during Lent and continue EVERY Monday following with one priest available. Also look for additional times that the sacrament will be offered later in Lent.
Texas Assistance Opportunities
If you wish to assist those in Texas who have been affected by the recent storm, please consider contacting the following agencies:
Catholic Charities USA
North Texas Food Bank – www.ntfb.org
Central Texas Food Bank –
www.centraltexasfoodbank.org
The Way Home – www.thewayhomehouston.org
World Central Kitchen – www.wck.org
My 360 Evaluation
I am currently participating in an Archdiocesan review process of my priestly ministry. Please consider offering your feedback for my 360 Ministerial Evaluation. Details are available at the top of page 4 of this bulletin or at holyfamilyparish.org and click on Archdiocese of Chicago/Catholic Leadership 360 Review. Thank you.