Private confession
By Fr Matthew Reese
At the beginning of the Ash Wednesday service, we are invited “in the name of the Church, to the observance of a holy Lent, by self-examination and repentance; by prayer, fasting, and self-denial; and by reading and meditating on God’s holy Word” (Book of Common Prayer, page 265).
Self-examination and confession form a part of every Eucharist, but in Lent we are invited to reflect in new and deeper ways.
For many Christians, private confession is an important part of their spiritual practice, especially in Advent and Lent. While the clergy at Saint Philip’s hear confessions at any time by appointment, we are setting aside a few times in which anyone can come to speak with clergy without an appointment.
The form for The Reconciliation of a Penitent can be found in the Book of Common Prayer on page 447.
Times:
- Shrove Tuesday, February 17: 4:30pm-5:00pm
- Ash Wednesday, February 18: 11:15am-11:45am, and 6:15pm-6:45pm.
Two stations will be available: one in the Chapel of the Nativity and another in the Chapel of St Benedict (the Baptistry).
Penitents will be asked to please wait outside the chapel for privacy.
