Today, St Thomas More had a 2:00pm service of "communal penance". As a candidate in RCIA, I am trying to join my new church with "gusto", so I attended this service. I have to admit that I was quite nervous because I didn't know what to expect. While I have had reconciliation with an Episcopal Priest about 10 years ago, I was not sure what I was going to face. You have to think about this, my knowledge of the Catholic "confessional" are those I received from high school friends, think Class of '65, and what I've seen in the movies. So I'm not sure if I'm supposed to do a "Bless me Father for I have sinned", then be told to do 139 Hail Mary's, (I did say its been a while) or what.

Turns out, it was a conversation with a retired Bishop (my confessor?) who seemed to me to back up when I told him I was a candidate but I wanted to participate. He mentioned that the Sacrament of Reconciliation would come later, then I feel I was let off the hook so to speak. I didn't receive any penance, that I'm aware of, unless his words to me of "speak good of all people", was it.

Following some questions later in the day I've learned that "confession", ain't what it used to be! Imagine that, I was prepared to bare my soul today. So what is this thing we're supposed to do, to be worthy of the Eucharist? And believe me folks, with my studying the Eucharist this is a most serious area for me to learn. I do not simply want to have the Eucharist, I want Our Lord to work through me with the gifts He has given me as a result of receiving His Body & Blood. So am I off base here or what?? :unsure:


Roy

No you didn't recieve absolution. If you had it would have been something like "Through the ministry of the Church my God grant you pardon and peace, and I absolve you from your sins in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit."

At confession, cannon law demands of us that we confess all grave sins which we are aware of in kind an number (Can. 988). This includes old sins we forgot in a previous confession. Of course it is usually more of a dicourse than "5 blasphemies, 2 stealing, and an impure thought."

This may be of interest of you

The reason it would be of interest to me is this: am I being blown off because I'm a candidate in RCIA? I have to be quite honest in my thoughts & feelings here,.. I understand the "ritual" of the service of acceptance, and I understand the "process"; however, my spiritual journey has carried me to levels that are far higher, if you will, than those who are not only in my RCIA class, but I have to say this, some of the Catholic Priests who have been presenters in our class. I actually had to add to a question asked our pastor about why the water is added to the wine, that it is symbolic of the piercing of our Lord's side on the cross when water (from His lungs) came out of Him!

I tried to confess my grave sins, I tried to enter into this for a cleansing of my heart and soul so I could fully complete this journey I'm on, to enter into receiving the Eucahrsit with truly, a clean heart. So now, with my faith, my own knowledge in my journey, I am feeling shortchanged. Sorry folks, that's where I am today :(

Roy

Oh I see. Well the RCIA process can be "truncated", or at least ones reception of the Sacraments can be hastend, if a person is ready. You could set up a meeting with your local parish priest to talk about this. However I think the confessor at the service you went to did the right thing because he is not your pastor nor does he know how deep your knowledge of your faith is. However if you are told to stick it out sometimes we must submit even when our superiors are wrong.

Thanks JJM and Roy for your sharing and insights. I have had a long day at work so I will think more on your recent email, Roy, and respond asap. Blessings to you. However I will say this, you have known the Holy Spirit for many years. You can't expect everyone to be where you are at. ;) Be patient with us!

Oh my friend,

As you will see elsewhere, I'm only asking questions... :D

Roy