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Advent Reconciliation Service
The Advent Reconciliation Service at Saint Julie Billiart on December 14, 2023, at 7:00 pm is an opportunity for the community to engage in the Sacrament of Reconciliation, a fundamental aspect of our Catholic faith. This event aligns with the Church’s recommendation for Catholics to receive the Sacrament of Penance Reconciliation on a frequent basis. While Catholics are obliged to confess serious sins at least once a year after reaching the age of reason (CIC 989), the Church encourages more frequent participation in this sacrament.
The Advent Reconciliation Service typically includes several these components:-
Public Prayer and Individual Confession: The service blends communal prayer with individual confession.
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Scripture Reading and Exhortation: It usually begins with a scripture reading and a brief homily.
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Examination of Conscience and Act of Contrition: This is followed by an examination of conscience, where participants reflect on their sins, and the community collectively prays the Act of Contrition.
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Individual Confession and Absolution: After the communal part of the ceremony, those present will individually confess their sins to the priest and receive absolution and penance if it has not been assigned in the communal setting. The Act of Contrition is not repeated privately because it has been part of the communal service. The priest prays the words of absolution individually over the penitent, or a collective penance is given.
For the families with children and adults in R.C.I.A., this service offers a teaching moment, emphasizing the importance of the Sacrament of Reconciliation in their spiritual journey and in the preparation for receiving other sacraments. It encouraged parents to be primary examples for their children, especially before their children’s participation in sacraments like First Communion or Confirmation. The concept of the “Domestic Church” aligns with this approach, where the family teaches and nurtures faith and its practices. The event serves as a reminder that reconciliation with God, as celebrated in the sacrament, is a gift and a way to grow closer to Him, embodying the spirit of the season where “God and sinners are reconciled.”
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