Probably the most underused Sacrament in our Church is the Sacrament of Reconciliation, the act of Going to Confession. It’s no wonder, because one of the most difficult things for us to do as human beings is to confront and admit to our own sinfulness. It is too easy for us to deny we ever sin, or we minimize the effects of our sinfulness to the point that we don’t ever see the need to receive this sacrament. We also like to make excuses for ourselves on why we don’t approach this sacrament.

     Whatever the reason is that keeps us away from this sacrament, by doing so, we are missing out on the special relationship we can have with Our Lord that we receive in this sacrament. When we commit sin, either by commission or omission, there are three effects. First, sin always offends God and as a result we weaken our relationship with Him. Second, sin always weakens us spiritually, and serious sin breaks our relationship with God. Finally, sin is offensive to the Christian Community, as we are called by our Baptism to holiness.

     The Sacrament of Reconciliation remedies all three of these effects. Though we can always ask God’s forgiveness sincerely, and God does forgive. However, Reconciliation first strengthens our relationship with God. Reconciliation then strengthens us spiritually, giving us the strength to avoid sin in the future. Finally, Reconciliation restores our relationship with the Christian Community through the action of the priest who represents both Jesus and the Community. 

    It takes a great act of humility to go to Confession and receive this Sacrament, but the effects of this Sacrament are so great, that it is truly worth the effort.  I invite all of you to make use of this sacrament as part of your preparation for the celebration of our Lord’s birth which we celebrate on Christmas day.

                                                                  God Bless!   
                                                                  Fr. Joe Bacevice

PLEASE PRAY

Remember in your prayers Timothy Schiberl,who has died and was buried from our parish: . May he have eternal rest in God’s kingdom.

EUCHARISTIC ADORATION

Our evening Adoration will be on Wednesday, December 13^th from 6-7pm. We invite everyone to spend some time in quiet prayer before our Eucharistic Lord. If you are able to commit to a specific time for adoration, please sign up in the Book Room.

CHRISTMAS CONFESSIONS

We urge everyone to take advantage of the Cluster Penance Service on Monday, December 18^th, at 7:00pm at St. Jerome Parish. Confessions will also be heard at St. Casimir’s on Thursday and Friday, December 21-22, after the 7:30am Mass, and  Saturday, December 23^rd, from 4:30-5:00pm.

 RETIREMENT FUND FOR RELIGIOUS

Next weekend, December 9-10, we are accepting donations for the Retirement Fund for Religious. Money collected is distributed in our own diocese and across the country to assist our retired religious Sisters, Brothers, and Priests with their needs in retirement. They have dedicated their lives in service to the Church teaching in our schools, working in hospitals, orphanages, and many other places that have touched all our lives. They are now asking our support to help provide for them in retirement. Please us the envelopes provided in your envelope packets and PLEASE BE GENEROUS!