Penance is a sacrament of the New Law instituted by Christ in which forgiveness of sins committed after baptism is granted through the priest's absolution to those who with true sorrow confess their sins and promise to satisfy for the same. It is called a "sacrament" not simply a function or ceremony, because it is an outward sign instituted by Christ to impart grace to the soul. As an outward sign it comprises the actions of the penitent in presenting himself to the priest and accusing himself of his sins, and the actions of the priest in pronouncing absolution and imposing satisfaction. This whole procedure is usually called, from one of its parts, "confession", and it is said to take place in the "tribunal of penance", because it is a judicial process in which the penitent is at once the accuser, the person accused, and the witness, while the priest pronounces judgment and sentence. The grace conferred is deliverance from the guilt of sin and, in the case of mortal sin, from its eternal punishment; hence also reconciliation with God, justification. Finally, the confession is made not in the secrecy of the penitent's heart nor to a layman as friend and advocate, nor to a representative of human authority, but to a duly ordained priest with requisite jurisdiction and with the "power of the keys", i.e., the power to forgive sins which Christ granted to His Church.

< Article Courtesy of New Advent Online Catholic Encyclopedia - Click this link to continue the article > 

Click the attachment below for A Guide To Confession

Attachments:

GuideToConfession.pdf

MINISTRY SCHEDULES UPDATED 06/04/2010

Please click the attachment below for the latest Ministry Schedules for Altar Servers, Lectors and Eucharistic Ministers. As you can see, we have a need for Lectors, Eucharistic Ministers and Altar Servers to 'fill in' for a number of Masses. If you or your children are a part of these ministries and attended the Training Sessions please let Father know prior to Mass. We can always use the help. Thank you!

Attachments:

Ministry Scheds06042010.pdf

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The Life Teen program is a complete, comprehensive and interactive model of religious formation. Through youth friendly Liturgies, Life Nights, weekly activities, service opportunities, teen leadership and outreach activities, teens learn more about their Catholic faith and grow to love the Sacraments, the Word, and the Mass. At a parish with the Life Teen program, a priest, youth minister, music ministry and a Core team of volunteer’s build an environment where teens feel loved, accepted, and challenged to go deeper in their faith.

Teens learn about the Mass by being “full, active and conscious” members of the community. Teens not only engage in the liturgy, but also serve as leaders of hospitality, altar servers, lectors, ushers, musicians, vocalists and, when allowed, extraordinary ministers of the Eucharist. “Mother Church earnestly desires that all the faithful should be led to that fully conscious, and active participation in liturgical celebrations which is demanded by the very nature of the liturgy” (Sacrosanctum Concilium, 14). In addition, clergy are renewed and affirmed in their vocation as they reach out to the young Church through the Sacraments.

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