GIFT EVENT!

January 8th

   Reconciliation is a

   Sacrament of Healing

"I've fallen and I can't get up."  Although this phrase became part of pop culture and was often made light of, the spirit of these words is truly at the very heart of Catholic spirituality.  It is this realization - that at our deepest core, we are unable to sustain ourselves - that opens us up to the healing grace of God that comes to us through Jesus Christ. 

Christianity is not about picking ourselves up by our bootstraps when we've fallen.  It is about first admitting that we have fallen and then turning to the One, and the only One, who lifts us up and sustains us.  Does this mean that we sit idly by and allow God to do all the work?  No.  But it does mean a clear recognition of and appreciation for whose hand it is that is reaching out to pick us up.

When our lives are marred by the darkness of sin, we come face to face with the realization that we are broken and in need of healing.  It is at these times that Jesus comes to us in the sacrament of healing - Reconciliation.  When we sin, which we unfortunately continue to do even after Baptism, we are invited to renew our baptism through the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation, and to experience anew God's mercy.

So, what's with all the names for the sacrament in which Jesus forgives sin? 

**Reconciliation---

**Penance---

**Penance and Reconciliation---

**Confession--  These all refer to the same experience of receiving forgiveness of our sins by Jesus through confession to a priest.  The Catechism of the Catholic Church refers to this sacrament as the sacrament of penance and reconciliation. 

(Taken from A Well-Built Faith - Joe Paprocki)

All events begin

with 9:00am Mass - 1:00pm

Topics: The character of Jesus' ministry

The two natures of Jesus:

Human and Divine

Who is Jesus in your life and

in the world?

A light meal will be provided