Gospel Photo of the Week



Putting on Our Game Face, Making Clear Our Intentions

Anyone who has competed in sporting, academic or recreational events against another, may be familiar with the idea of getting in a proper frame of mind for competition. Putting on the game face some coaches call it. Putting the things outside of the event out of your mind so that focus and concentration can be brought to the forefront of our consciousness. Then our physical actions, likewise, should follow. We are readied by calling to mind all those things that are meant to help prevail against an opponent.

When it comes to faith, our biggest opponents are ourselves. Distractions are everywhere. Because of the Holy Eucharist, the Mass itself is a Sacrament. We attend Mass to show our love for God; as Jesus says, "you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind." (Mat 22:37) The mind part of the command may be the harder part. The same is true of all the Sacraments. Confession also requires proper disposition and proper intention. The penitent must be sorry for a wrong done to God and neighbor, and complete the absolution by means of the prescribed penance given by the Priest.

One of my goals is to make the time and the atmosphere conducive to allowing for getting that "game face" on as we approach these Sacraments. As the celebrant, I, too, must have my "game face on" so that I can properly celebrate the Mass.

I said all that to say this: my plan for Confessions is to be as accommodating as possible, yet still create that atmosphere that allows preparation for Mass. I will start with Saturday Confessions starting at 3:30 and ending at 4:30. There will be additional times added eventually. Still, anyone can call, and we can make arrangements for a confession to be heard outside of the set hours.

I am aware that some want to make Confession part of a one-stop deal and I understand that – and in some ways, sympathize. However, going to Confession should be by itself an intended event; the dignity of the Sacrament deserves that. Also, it is very difficult for me to be sure that I am in the proper disposition to celebrate Mass, which can be difficult if my focus is on lighting the candles. That is not to criticize any priest who does that, it just not something that I can do consistently. I hope you all understand.

This first couple of weeks have been an interesting experience for me here in our Saint Anthony Parish Community. I have met so many wonderful people. I apologize if I don’t remember everyone’s names, but that will come. I am very happy to be here; the courage and hard work that many of you have done is clearly noticeable. I am extremely impressed. There is still much to do, and I thank you for the patience you have shown.

2018 Diocesan Parish Annual Appeal