Parking lot "Penance Services" with General Absolution
Because of Governor's "Stay-at-home" declaration these penance services are being postponed.
This Sunday, April 19, is "Divine Mercy Sunday". I thought a great way to celebrate God's mercy and love on this "Divine Mercy Sunday" in 2020 would be to offer everyone an opportunity for an outdoor Communal Penance Service with General Absolution. We will maintain social distancing and encounter the profound mercy of the Lord in this sacrament. Pope Francis has given us special permission for the use of this form of the Sacrament of Penance because of the corona virus pandemic; we can classify this worldwide epidemic as an "emergency" situation and thus Pope Francis is permitting this form of celebrating the Sacrament of Penance.
Hope you can join us. Take a moment to inform your families and neighbors of this sacramental celebration. Come to either service on this Saturday or Sunday. Please arrive at the parking lot 15 minutes early so that we can begin the Penance Service on time. Parishioners will be there to direct you where and how to park. Kindly remain in your vehicle and crack your windows slightly in order to hear. I will guide you through the service and offer general absolution of your sins. This Penance Service will be only about 25 to 30 minutes in length. Note: if you are living in mortal sin, you will need to go to regular confession within the next year.
What is God asking of us on this "Divine Mercy Sunday"? 1 - greater trust in his divine mercy, kindness and love. 2 - persevering in prayer for our sisters and brothers as well as for ourselves. 3 - practicing daily the corporal and spiritual works of mercy. From the Book of Lamentations 3:23 we are told, "[God's mercies] are renewed each morning, so great is his faithfulness."
I am praying for you and look forward to this celebration of God's mercy on Saturday afternoon and on Sunday morning. Although we cannot gather as a faith community for Mass in church this weekend, through these "Penance Services" we will be gathering as a community to ask forgiveness of our sins and to pray for one another. Have mercy on us, O Lord! Sincerely yours in Christ, Father John Moser
Because of Governor's "Stay-at-home" declaration these penance services are being postponed.