On Wednesday, December 11th at 7:00 pm we will gather as a community to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation. A communal celebration is stressed today because it gives emphasis to the communal effects of sin and forgiveness. Since through our Baptism we are part of the body of Christ, what we do truly affects one another. One person's sin weakens the community; one person's repentance strengthens the community. Thus, it is a powerful experience to witness each other confessing sins and witness the laying of hands in absolution during our personal time with the confessor. To confess in the midst of our sisters and brothers helps us to support each other and to see that we are not alone in our sinfulness.

The reconciliation we experience is not complete when we leave the church. Like all sacraments, reconciliations should lead us to be about Jesus' mission. As we have been reconciled, so we must bring peace and forgiveness to others. As followers of Jesus, we are called to heal the fractures that separate us and destroy relationships. Let us all come together on Wednesday, December 11th at 7:00 pm to celebrate the good news of Jesus' mercy and assist each other on our journey of conversion. Remember, there is no sin beyond God's forgiveness. God is always calling us back to him.