Father Jacob Maurer (former Star of the Sea parishioner) has been blogging quite a bit lately. He often posts very insightful things and his blog is very enjoyable to follow, so I suggest you check out his website. He recently posted a response to two common questions about the Sacrament of Confession, which I thought would be good to share here:

When it comes to confession, there are two questions that often come up. The first that comes up is about how to make a good confession – “what if I don’t know what to do?”.

The answer is fairly straightforward – if you come to confession, we can guarantee that there will always be at least one person who knows what to do! And we’re always happy to walk through confession, beginning to end, with anyone who comes. Whether its the opening dialogue, the examination of conscience or the act of contrition, its no trouble to work with these together!

The second question is asked with a bit of anxiety – “But father, what do you really remember from confession?”.

The fact of the matter is that people’s sins aren’t so interesting as to be worth remembering! That’s not to say I want them to be interesting, but simply that the sin isn’t the highlight of confession. Confession is ultimately about reconciliation.

But there are things I remember. I remember the humility of people who confess sins that shame them to the core. I remember the courage of penitents who have been away for years or decades out of fear of what penance might involve. I remember the joy of those sins removed. I remember the peace a person has of knowing they’re right with God.

Come to confession. Its a joy to receive you and to share in God’s mercy. You won’t regret it.

Just a reminder that during Lent, Fr. Lappe is hearing confessions during the regular times on Wednesdays and Saturdays. You will also have the opportunity to go on Good Friday and Divine Mercy Sunday (click for schedule).