MANSFIELD, Ohio — In observance of the Jubilee Year of Mercy called for by Pope Francis, St. Peter’s Parish is offering more opportunities for the sacrament of confession. That will include two special initiatives called, “The Light is On” and “24 Hours for the Lord,” during this Lenten season.
Jeremy Miller, St. Peter’s associate priest, said Lent is seen as a “spiritual workout.”
“It’s sort of an intense period of growth,” Miller said, often involving a recognition of one’s sins and repentance.
That’s where the sacrament of confession arrives.
“We have this human need for accountability — for growth really in any area of life, and we see the spiritual life no differently in that we need that human accountability with our areas of weakness,” Miller said.
Miller said confession is not meant to be an intimidating experience.
“Rather, it’s like spiritual therapy,” he said.
One must be Catholic to participate in the full experience of confession, he said.
“We don’t give the special prayer of absolution (to non-Catholics),” he said. “We often give a blessing instead.”
Miller said one of the most frequently asked questions he hears is, “Why do you need to go to a priest?”
“My simple answer to that would be we need to go to a priest because we’re not angels,” he said. “If we were angels and we were pure spirits, we could turn to God directly and ask for forgiveness.
“But the fact that we have bodies, Jesus has made it such that we need to go through other people to receive the forgiveness of Christ.”
Confessions typically take place at St. Peter’s on Saturdays from 3 to 4:30 p.m., or by appointment.
“Confessions don’t have to happen here,” Miller said. “I’ve heard a confession at the airport.”
As part of “The Light is On” initiative, the sacrament of confession will be available on three Wednesdays in March (9, 16 and 23) from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. at St. Peter’s Parish.
Also, on March 4 and 5, a special time of prayer with opportunities to receive the sacrament of confession, called “24 Hours for the Lord,” will be held in certain parishes in each of the Toledo Diocese’s 15 deaneries.
For more information contact the St. Peter’s Parish Center at 419-524-2572.
