During the Lent / Easter   season we reflect on the Paschal Mystery of Christ, His suffering, death and resurrection, and how, through this mystery of our faith, Jesus has forgiven our sins and has called us to be new creations in His spirit. When we sin we diminish in our lives the Light of Christ that we received in our baptism. To help us rekindle the Light of Christ in our hearts and lives we have been given the Sacrament of Penance to be renewed by the grace of God and the power of the Holy Spirit.

During the season of Lent, we are challenged to remember that the Christian life is an ongoing journey of conversion of heart. The Sacrament of Penance can assist us greatly in our journey. I encourage you and your families to celebrate this sacrament in preparation for Easter and to make it a regular practice throughout the year to seek the healing graces of of God through the Sacrament of Penance.

This year the Rochester Diocese has scheduled Day of Penance and Mercy during the first week of Lent so that the grace of God may strengthen us throughout the Lenten season.  The Sacrament of Penance will be offered throughout the diocese at all the churches this Wednesday, March 13th.