tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6123940721170852595.post5245996593892383125..comments2023-10-31T13:24:55.640+00:00Comments on Fr Paul Johnson: ReconciliationFr Paul Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08107161894913745109noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6123940721170852595.post-81780624526530784062009-03-30T17:38:00.000+01:002009-03-30T17:38:00.000+01:00It's astonishing that so many parishes devote a me...It's astonishing that so many parishes devote a mere thirty minutes a week for confessions. Here, on the Isle of Wight, we are fortunate to have Quarr, where confessions are heard on call. However, if that weren't the case, with my work schedule, it would be impossible to get to church on a Saturday morning, which seems to be when most parishes advertise the sacrament.<BR/><BR/>Another thing I’ve noticed is how “everyone” goes to Communion these days. It’s not so long ago that a sizeable number would stay in the pews because they hadn’t been to confession first. I wonder if this isn’t a telling sign of the way in which the Church’s discipline has been deliberately ignored.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6123940721170852595.post-52333577711743318652009-03-30T14:30:00.000+01:002009-03-30T14:30:00.000+01:00Well, I'm pleased to report, many people stopped m...Well, I'm pleased to report, many people stopped me after Mass saying they now planned to 'get confession' before Easter. Let's pray that they do.Fr Paul Johnsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08107161894913745109noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6123940721170852595.post-8905230748308804322009-03-28T18:05:00.000+00:002009-03-28T18:05:00.000+00:00I do think people have a deep need for confession,...I do think people have a deep need for confession,but as you note they are not sure what to say.On youtube (and also saved on my blog somewhere )there is a video called 'Father Larry Richard's Confession Speech, April 12, 2008'.I would thoroughly recommend it to people who are not sure how to confess certain sins that hold them in severe bondage and shame,such as sexual sins.Popular psychology tries to free us from the guilt of sin,by saying it doesn't exist,certainly not as a spiritual defect.Their words may bring temporary comfort or numb our conscience but this is not freedom or new life,but subdued existence(at least that's my experience).I can and do regret my sins but only Jesus has the Power to forgive my sin,once confessed.<BR/><BR/>"I'm sorry", must become "forgive me" in my case. That involves absolution,not reassuring drivel by the thinkers of the day in magazines and self(serve)help books.I can't speak for the Priest's hearts or enthusiasm on this matter.I expect they are under terrible attack from the devil too,in this area which is the main reason Christ came and died of course,to break the bonds of sin and set us free.Old nick would seek to keep the treasure of forgiveness hidden.God bless you in your Ministry of freeing souls.mehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06962374096401238994noreply@blogger.com