As I wouldn't want to count on my memory or any of yours when bringing up something that happened in the past (especially many years ago), I would be willing to guess that most of you don't remember when the "Order of Penance" was promulgated in 1973 by the Church for use in Catholic Churches throughout the world. Since I was around 14 years of age then, I had already been taught and used the "Rite of Penance" that most of you also were taught which included "how to begin" our confessions with, "Bless me Father for I have sinned...it has been ______(time) since my last confession and these are my sins." I don't remember my parish at the time (1973 or after) offering instruction and formation on the "New Rite of the Sacrament of Penance" (or as we now normally refer to it as the Sacrament of Reconciliation). I suspect (though I hope not) that your experience how to go to confession over the years has been about the same. I'm excited about the English translation of the revised "Order of Penance" and hope it will lend itself to parishes throughout our country and beyond, updating our Catholics on the "hows" of Celebrating the Sacrament of Reconciliation, and also explain and offer the other rites that are provided besides "The Order of Reconciling Individual Penitents" (or in laymen's terms how to celebrate individually the Sacrament of Reconciliation).
Many people may be surprised by the emphasis the Church has put since Vatican II on the role of the faith community in the celebration of the Sacrament of Reconciliation. It says, "The whole Church, as a priestly people, acts in different ways in performing the work of reconciliation which has been entrusted to her by the Lord." (Penance #8"). Bringing out clearly the importance of the faithful gathering together, it says "A common celebration more clearly manifests the ecclesial (the body of Christ) nature of Penance. For the faithful together hear the Word of God, which proclaims the mercy of God and invites them to conversion. At the same time, they examine the conformity of their lives to the same word of God "through a communal examination of conscience assist each other by their mutual prayers." (Penance #22). I hope (and will pray) that we all welcome these "Penitential Celebrations" and participate in them for our own benefit AND that of our entire parish commuinity who are always in need of purification and sanctification. Thusly, we will be even more blessed when humbly availing ourselves individually to the Sacrament of Reconciliation!
Many people may be surprised by the emphasis the Church has put since Vatican II on the role of the faith community in the celebration of the Sacrament of Reconciliation. It says, "The whole Church, as a priestly people, acts in different ways in performing the work of reconciliation which has been entrusted to her by the Lord." (Penance #8"). Bringing out clearly the importance of the faithful gathering together, it says "A common celebration more clearly manifests the ecclesial (the body of Christ) nature of Penance. For the faithful together hear the Word of God, which proclaims the mercy of God and invites them to conversion. At the same time, they examine the conformity of their lives to the same word of God "through a communal examination of conscience assist each other by their mutual prayers." (Penance #22). I hope (and will pray) that we all welcome these "Penitential Celebrations" and participate in them for our own benefit AND that of our entire parish commuinity who are always in need of purification and sanctification. Thusly, we will be even more blessed when humbly availing ourselves individually to the Sacrament of Reconciliation!