My Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

The Sacramental Life of the Church is the framework that guides us all through the trials of life. Often, the Church Fa-
thers described the Church as a ship, sailing the stormy seas of our fallen world, seeking the heavenly harbor. The Sacra-
ments help us to mature and grow into our places on that ship, and thus how we support each other in our Christian lives.

Holy Baptism rescues us from the stormy waters and brings us aboard the ship. With Confirmation, we are able to man
the yards and help to steer the ship by harnessing the wind of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Eucharist, of course, sustains and
strengthens us for the difficult journey, while Matrimony and Holy Orders each in their own way lead and encourage the
Christian People and help to spread the Gospel so that the Barque of Peter may bring more souls to salvation.
The Anointing of the Sick and Confession do different things. The Anointing imparts spiritual and physical strength in

times of serious illness so that we may persevere in trial, while Confession heals the wounds which the things of the world in-
flict upon our souls. It is for when we stumble as the storm rocks the ship, and we need the help of Grace to remain upright.

With a view to the importance of Confession for our spiritual lives, I am expanding the confession times for the Good
Shepherd Catholic Community. Beginning this weekend, Saturday Confessions at St. Michael’s will happen every week from

3 to 3:45, and Thursdays from 3:15 to 3:45. We will maintain Sunday Confessions at St. Patrick’s, Moravia, and add Tues-
day before Mass from 8:15 to 8:45. There will be Confession available at St. Patrick’s, Aurora after daily Masses, and first

Friday confessions will remain at Our Lady of the Lake.
As a reminder, everyone has a right to the Sacraments. I, as one with care of souls, cannot deny a reasonable request for
Confession (cf CIC 986). It is my prayer that with these changes, more of us will be able to avail themselves of the Sacrament,
and experience the outpouring of God’s Grace. 

In Christ, Father Maurici