Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Fr. Dominic Toan Tran, Pastor.
Let us discover the profound significance of the Sacrament of Confession. Confession, also known as the Sacrament of Reconciliation, holds a central place in our spiritual journey as Catholics. It offers us the opportunity to experience God’s boundless mercy, forgiveness, and healing in a deeply personal and transformative way.
Why do we need to go to Confession? The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches us that sin damages our relationship with God and weakens our union with the Church and our fellow believers. Confession allows us to acknowledge our sins, express sincere contrition, and seek forgiveness. Through this Sacrament, we experience the loving embrace of our Heavenly Father, who longs for our reconciliation and desires to restore us to a state of grace.
Confession is not only necessary for the forgiveness of mortal sins, but it is also strongly recommended for the confession of venial sins. While venial sins do not sever our relationship with God, they hinder our spiritual growth and weaken our ability to resist temptation. Regularly confessing venial sins helps us to deepen our self-awareness, foster ongoing conversion, and receive the grace to grow in holiness.
Now, why do we have to confess to a priest? The Catechism reminds us that Jesus instituted the Sacrament of Confession when He gave the apostles the authority to forgive sins: “Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained” (John 20:23). Through apostolic succession, this authority has been passed down to the bishops and priests of the Church.
Confessing our sins to a priest has several profound implications. First, it allows us to encounter the living presence of Christ, who works through the priest as His instrument of mercy and forgiveness. When the priest absolves us, it is Christ Himself who forgives our sins. This encounter with Christ’s mercy brings immense healing and peace to our souls.
Second, confessing to a priest helps us to confront our pride and self-deception. By humbly confessing our sins to a priest, we acknowledge our need for accountability and community within the Body of Christ. The priest, acting in Persona Christi, provides spiritual guidance, counsel, and pastoral care, helping us to grow in holiness and avoid the snares of sin.
Lastly, confessing with a priest allows us to experience the communal dimension of the Church. Our sins not only affect our personal relationship with God but also impact the entire body of believers. Through Confession, we seek reconciliation not only with God but also with the Church, recognizing our need for communal healing and restoration.
As your pastor, I encourage you to avail yourself of the Sacrament of Confession and experience the profound grace and mercy of God. Our parish offers the opportunity for Confession every Saturday from 3:15 PM – 3:50 PM. If you are unable to attend during this time, please feel free to call our office at (561) 488-1373 to schedule an appointment.
May the Sacrament of Confession be a source of spiritual renewal, healing, and deepening of our relationship with God and His Church. May we encounter the merciful embrace of Christ and be transformed by His boundless love and forgiveness.
Sincerely yours in Christ,