Dear Parishioners,

It is a good thing when parishioners are asking about receiving the sacraments. Truly makes my day. In this pandemic and with the executive order to STAY AT HOME until May 1st, 2020 you may find this information soothing and helpful in regards to the Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confessions).

Pope Francis recently remarked, which echoes The Catechism of the Catholic Church
Do what The Catechism of the Catholic Church says. It is very clear:
If you cannot find a priest to confess to,
speak directly with God, your Father and tell Him the truth.
Say,
‘Lord, I did this, this, and this. Forgive me,’
and ask for pardon with all your heart.
Make an Act of Contrition, the pope said, and promise God,
‘I will go to confession afterward, but, forgive me now,’
and immediately you will return to a state of grace with God.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church N.1452, says:
‘When it arises from a love by which God is loved above all else,
contrition is called ‘perfect’ – contrition of charity.
Such contrition remits venial sins; it also obtains forgiveness of mortal sins
if it includes the firm resolution to have recourse to sacramental confession
as soon as possible.’
As the catechism teaches, Pope Francis said,
‘You can draw near to God’s forgiveness without having a priest at hand.’

As I have mentioned before, we are living in a NEW TIME and need to become aware of Catholic teachings that we never really had to employ before, such as not having a priest at hand.

Many blessings,
Father Jim
Ohio Conference of Catholic Bishops – Bishop-Letter-April-2-2020
*A resource from 211 that might be helpful to folks:
2-1-1 Resource Wire Newsletter – Revised March 26, 2020 Edition