What’s in an Advent Penance Service?

As we prepare for the coming of Christ at Christmas, we want to be ready to accept his love and be able to do whatever he asks of us. In order to do so, the Church encourages the parish community to come together to hear the Word of God, pray, and sing in a formal liturgy called the Rite of Penance (Penance Service). Gathered together, we recognize our individual sinfulness and the harm it does to the whole community, and so, pray for one another as well as for ourselves. With song, prayer, and scripture, we ready ourselves for the opportunity for private confession and absolution. Our service is on Wednesday, December 13rd at 7:00 p.m. in the Church.