Vatican II at 50 - From Penance to Reconciliation

On Tuesday, we will celebrate our Lenten Penance Service. Among those who will celebrate the sacrament of reconciliation for the first time will be our candidates: those who were baptized in another faith tradition or those who were baptized as Catholics but never received any further faith formation. All of us will experience a revised rite prescribed by the Second Vatican Council.

Our current (revised) rite gives the community the chance to come together before and after individual confession. Immediately prior to Vatican II, the rite consisted of only individual confession. The revised rite more accurately articulates our beliefs: that both sin and forgiveness are social, not just individual. That is to say, everything we do or fail to do affects somebody else.

Speaking of which, each year our director of Adult Initiation, Terry Zobel, enlists the help of young people who have recently experienced their first reconciliation to send the candidates letters of encouragement. Their thoughts echo God’s love, forgiveness, and sense of humor! Here are a few from years past:

Get in line before he says to!

When I did it I admitted a lot, but it was worth it. You should be happy you get to do this. It doesn’t come every day you know.

Thank you for choosing to be Catholic. Jesus thanks you too! It may not seem like a big deal, but it is. Your parents must be really proud!

It was actually pretty fun. Honestly! After that I had a sin-free lunch!

Don’t be nervous about getting reconciliation. I did it when I was 7. Just fess up and it will be over before you know it!

Don’t be scared or nervous. The priest won’t hert you or be mad. Just be calm about it.

Just don’t lie and it’s smooooooooooooooooooooooooooth.

I know how it feels to be doing first reconciliation. I was the last person out of 100 people so get there very early. It feels great after you tell the priest your sins. What are you wearing for your first communion?

I was nervous and realized God would never put us in a bad situation because he loves us.

P.S. I recommend Father Fabio!