From a reader:
Today, I went to confession for the first time in nearly 27 years. I am 34, so this is my first time as an adult. After some trembling at the beginning, I managed to push through with the guidance of a very experienced and kind confessor.
Thanks for the constant reminder on the blog.
Notes like these are an important reason why I keep this blog going.
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since Sat., 25 Nov. 2006:
This is a wonderful story! I love hearing that people have re-engaged the Sacrament of Penance.
My view is that now that he’s gone, continue to go, regularly. It will do nothing but get easier.
I posted something a while back in support of Fr. Zuhlsdorf.
http://traddyiniowa.blogspot.com/2011/02/how-to-confess-well.html
God love you for going back to Confession. The world just got a little brighter.
What a powerful way to start Lent! I remember my first time after 15 years. It is so worth it. Beautiful!!
Semper Fi!
This post just brought back the feeling I had last year when I finally went to confession. I wish I could remember what it was exactly my confessor told me with regards to something I had done, as it was probably the most encouraging thing anyone had ever told me.
When I came back to the Sacrament last year, Father just said “Welcome back!” That said it all.
God bless you and God bless Fr. Z. Fr won’t know all the good he’s done until his final reward!
This is the first “news” story I read today. What a wonderful start for my Ash Wednesday.
Welcome home!
Thanks for sharing and May God bless you.
Our diocese had a men’s conference this past weekend with something like 800 men present. Many priests, including the bishop, heard confessions for hours. My husband heard one priest comment to another that there had been allot of “big fish” among the penitents. My husband asked what he meant, thinking he meant “big sinners”. The priest said no – he meant people who were returning to the sacrament after many years :-)
Two weeks ago, as I sat in line for confession, a woman came in who was clearly not one of the regulars. She didn’t know what the local queueing procedure was, or whether there were priests in both confessionals or not. She examined the name on the confessional nearest me, and sat down next to me. “Is that priest new here?” she asked. “Sort of,” I replied, “he’s been here since August.” There was a pause, and suddenly she started to cry. “It’s been a long time since I’ve been to confession. A very long time. I’m not even sure I remember what to do.” I tried to reassure her, and told her that Father was kind and would help her along. By the time I came out of the confessional she looked a little braver. I hope things went well for her, and that I’ll see her in line again soon.
That MADE my day! Wonderful news! Imagine the rejoicing in Heaven!
Deo Gratias!
Thank you Father Z for helping yet another soul greatly improve their chances of making it to Heaven. This is another reason I wonder why someone hasn’t given you an official on-line ministry. I’ll bet yours is the closest and probably the only relationship most laity have with a priest.
After my return to the confessional after a seven year stretch, the confessor said, “Welcome back.” Two very simple words but the effect was profound. I’m in a confessional usually twice a month now. The iPhone app is a very handy tool for this purpose.
There must be several reasons why someone who knows better spends years away from this most necessary sacrament. Without casting away responsibility from the laity, if we heard about sin and salvation in sermons more (and in some parishes at all) it would remind us why we need the Church. Secondly, Saturday afternoon is a very inconvenient time for the sacrament. Why can’t the typical parish offer Confession before the first Mass on Sunday and after the last? How about one night a week with Confession, Mass, Adoration/Benediction?
Awesome. I’m hoping he still went to Mass the whole time. :)
(that reminds me… I’m due for a round.)
It’s sad that you have to actively seek out sites like this to hear about confession, contraception, and a host of other ills. Thank God sites like this exist, and that priests like Fr. Z “rant.” Souls ARE being saved. I know, I am one that has benefited greatly from this site.
Let’s pray that all the faithful hear these “messages” at their local parish.
triumphguy: Amen.