None of us are perfect. Each of us fail from time to time and fall into sin. For Christians, sin is anything that leads us away from God and from love of our neighbour. This does not mean that God does not want us to enjoy life or that he wants us to be unhappy. Rather, God simply wants us to live in a way that is best for us and for our neighbour.
Repentance is a way of life. It is about turning away from sin and turning back toward God. Every day brings us new opportunities to hear God’s word and to respond to his love. Repentance is about acknowledging our sin and being sorry for the wrong we do. It is about being freed from the burden of our guilt and being made whole again.
God always hears us when we pray and is always willing to forgive us when we are sorry. In the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation, popularly known as ‘Confession’, God offers us the wonderful assurance of his absolution. In other words, the firm knowledge that our slate has been wiped clean. Making your confession should not be treated like going to see the dentist or as something negative. Such is because what is on offer is Christ’s grace and his forgiveness. There is nothing more positive or beautiful than that.
The priest acts as God’s eyes and ears as you tell him those sins that are on your conscience and are weighing you down. Do remember that anything you tell the priest is treated as sacrosanct and therefore it is strictly private and confidential. The priest may then offer you some words of advice and encouragement before administering to you God’s absolution. Afterwards, the priest will prescribe an appropriate act of penance such as a prayer or the reading of a passage from scripture.
To make your confession please contact the Parish Office on Telephone 01793 538220 in order to arrange an appointment with one of the Clergy.