As we prepare for the birth of our Savior, we are called to come closer to God. One way of doing so is attending one of the many Communal Penance opportunities at St. Mary and surrounding churches.
A communal celebration reminds us that we are part of a faith community which can be harmed by our failure to live as faithful disciples, but is also a powerful mediator of God’s love and mercy. As Pope Francis has written, “The embrace of the Father in confession renews us from inside and purifies our heart. May we allow ourselves to be reconciled, in order to live as beloved children…. Let us allow ourselves to be loved, so that we can give love in return. Let us allow ourselves to stand up and walk towards Easter. Then we will experience the joy of discovering how God raises us up from our ashes.”
You are welcome to participate in a Communal Penance Service even if you are unable or do not desire to go to individual confession.
Dec 7 St. Patrick, Brooklyn 2pm
Dec 14 Sacred Heart, Newton, 2pm
St. Mary, Grinnell, 4pm
Dec 15 St. Mary, Pella, 6:30pm
Dec 16 St. Mary, Oskaloosa, 6:30pm
Dec 21 Sacred Heart, Melcher, 2pm
St. Anthony, Knoxville, 4pm