Bless me, Father, for I have sinned

Archbishop Edwin O'Brien posts an article on Confession in The Catholic Review online for this week, February 15th.

[...]

Through the centuries, the form in which the Church exercised this commission of the Lord has evolved, as has the practice of the faithful in celebrating this unique gift from Christ; older generations will recall the day that individuals would receive Holy Communion on Sunday only if he or she had gone to confession the Saturday before. How the pendulum has swung!

It comes as news to no one that there has been a serious decline in individuals going to confession. Is there little urgency to confess, because there is confusion or even denial in some quarters on the very existence of mortal sin as well as the existence of hell? Unfortunately, yes. The Catechism is so very valuable in clarifying Church teaching in matters such as this and should be studied at home, taught in schools and preached from our pulpits.

All the faithful who are aware of serious sins committed are required to confess at least once a year and Holy Communion should not be received without the confession of serious sin.

Read this marvelous commentary!