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‘Embracing God’s mercy and compassion’
By LINDA M. LINONIS
YOUNGSTOWN
During Lent, Christians observe a time of penance, reflection and fasting as a means of preparation for Holy Week and Christ’s Resurrection on Easter.
St. Edward Church, 240 Tod Lane, continued a parish tradition by sponsoring a Tuesday evening Mass, simple supper and speakers. This year’s Lenten theme was “Embracing God’s Mercy and Compassion,” with sessions on the Sacrament of Reconciliation and forgiveness.
Tuesday night, Monsignor Robert Siffrin, church pastor, led a communal penance service. Monsignor Siffrin said communal penance services are common at Advent and Lent and have been part of the Catholic Church for about 25 years. Visiting priests participated to assist with the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
“It’s an opportunity to pray and ask forgiveness,” he said. He said the service gives people the chance as individuals and a group to acknowledge their sins and seek forgiveness.
Sister Rose Ann Krantz, pastoral associate at the parish, recently presented the last session in the series, “Sharing Forgiveness: Principles of Forgiveness.” The Lenten program promoted the idea “to rediscover the Lord and live like Him more consciously.” Believers are “challenged to turn away from sin” and toward Jesus.
Christ died for the sins of humanity, and his Resurrection gave humankind the opportunity for eternal life, Sister Rose Ann said; forgiving others and asking for forgiveness for ourselves are challenges. “We have to learn to accept God’s forgiveness and forgive the hurts in our lives,” she said. “Forgiveness sets you free.”
“Sin affects the community — causing ruptures in it,” Sister Rose Ann said. “The process of confession is a public commitment to faith.”
While Catholics have the Sacrament of Reconciliation, other denominations also have practices for confession. In the early Catholic Church, Sister Rose Ann said, only bishops could forgive sins. The three main sins were murder, adultery and denying the faith.
“Since we are made in the image and likeness of God, our goal is to be God-like,” she said. “Everyone should strive to be a positive person.”
Sister Rose Ann said followers of Christ are disciples, and by choosing that path, they opt for an “intentional course.” As a student of the mind and heart of Jesus, Sister Rose Ann said, we are “challenged to follow the commandment Jesus gave us: ‘Love each other as I have loved you.’”
The speaker said it is “a Christian obligation that our lifestyles be a visible sign and proof that Jesus is risen.” Though Christ is not present on Earth, she continued, he is “visible in his body [of followers] on Earth.”
Love is the reason behind Christ’s sacrifice on the cross and the eternal life made possible through the Resurrection, Sister Rose Ann said. “We have to ask ourselves if our lives are characterized by love, peace and joy. When we experience God’s love and concern for us, God’s grace will come more often.”