Lent & Confession

We know that Lent is not just an atmosphere. It is not liturgical décor. It is not a change of menu. It is repentance.

And repentance has a sacramental form in the life of the Church: Holy Confession.

If Lent passes without confession, something essential has been avoided. The Church teaches plainly: Those who have committed grave sins, or who have neglected proper spiritual preparation, must be reconciled through sacramental penance before receiving Holy Communion.

Confession is not optional self-improvement. It is the restoration of communion.

The Three Essential Elements of Penance:

1. Sincere sorrow : Not vague regret — but real grief over sin and the rupture of communion with God.
2. Open and honest confession : Spoken aloud before the priest, who stands not as a private counselor, but as witness on behalf of Christ and the whole Church.
3. The Prayer of Absolution : Through this prayer, forgiveness is not merely hoped for — it is sacramentally bestowed.

Confession is not a conversation.
It is not just therapy.
It is not just spiritual housekeeping.
It is judgment faced now — so that the Last Judgment may be joy.

Download this helpful guide before making a confession… Questions for Consideration before Making Confession.

Practical Arrangements
Fr. Stephan will hear confessions before or after week-day Lenten services, or at other times by appointment. Sunday morning confessions at 9:00 a.m. are reserved only for the elderly, the sick, or those who live a significant distance from the parish.

If you absolutely must come Sunday morning, Father must be notified by Saturday evening so that Proskomede can be completed and Liturgy not delayed.

After Palm Sunday, confession times are reserved for:

• Shut-ins
• Those who have traveled to join us for Holy Week
• Catechumens
• Genuine emergencies

Procrastination is not an emergency.
Lent is short. Delay is easy. Repentance requires intention. The door is open —but it does not remain open indefinitely.