October 14, 2009

Renewing the soul: priests’ workshop focuses on sacrament of reconciliation

By Julie Filby

It’s a sacrament of healing, reconciliation and new life.

The sacrament of reconciliation, also called the “sacrament of penance” or simply “confession,” is a vital part of a priest’s ministry; therefore, on Sept. 18 the Office of Liturgy, the Metropolitan Tribunal and Priest Personnel cosponsored a workshop on the sacrament for priests.

The day of study was just one of many opportunities offered to priests each year for education and renewal, said  Msgr. Bernard Schmitz, the archdiocese’s vicar for clergy and director of continuing education for priests.

“The office of continuing education strives to respond to the needs of priests in their pastoral ministry, spiritual lives, and personal well-being and development,” said Msgr. Schmitz.

More than 120 priests gathered at St. Thomas More Parish in Centennial for the seminar, which was presented by Father John J. M. Foster, J.C.D, assistant professor at the School of Canon Law at The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C.

 “Priests don’t receive much feedback on their confessional technique,” Father Foster told the Denver Catholic Register. “This gave them an opportunity to reflect on their own pastoral skills in light of the theology and the discipline of the Church.”

Conducting the workshop during the current Year for Priests highlighted this essential function of priesthood: celebrating the forgiveness of sins. In opening the Year for Priests, Pope Benedict XVI called for a revitalization of the sacrament of penance.

“Recommitting to confession renews the soul, which renews the Church,” explained Father Alvaro Montero, a Disciples of the Hearts of Jesus and Mary priest who serves as pastor at St. Mary Parish in Littleton.
“Above all,” he added, “it’s a profession of faith in God’s goodness.”

The workshop was divided into two sections: the liturgical celebration of the sacrament and canonical issues concerning the sacrament. It included an overview of the rite of penance, the ritual and sacramental elements to each rite, and the structure of each rite. In addition, several case studies were presented, where the priests discussed potential solutions that were both pastoral and in line with Church teaching.

Father Foster said he was struck by the thoughtfulness and sincerity of the priests participating in the workshop.

It was clear that they desire to improve their confessional skills to better serve their people in this important sacrament,” he said.

Priests said the workshop was a good refresher course.

“(Father Foster) reminded us there should be a Scripture reading prior to confession that’s often left out,” said Father Matt Hartley, parochial vicar at Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish in Northglenn. “This can be a single memorized verse, and can help to prepare the penitent for the sacrament.”

Father Montero agreed.

“It’s like ‘dusting the table,’” he shared. “The table just gets dusty sometimes. Normally I forget the dismissal, but now I’m doing it again.”

Priests were reminded to provide as many opportunities as possible for parishioners to receive the sacrament of penance—just like their patron, St. John Vianney—who is reported to have spent up to 16 hours a day in the confessional.

“I was encouraged to hear how many priests spend several hours in the confessional each week, some daily,” said Father Hartley. “It’s important for priests to do penance for the conversion of souls and to provide many opportunities for people to be reconciled to God.”

In describing the sacredness of the sacramental seal of confession—the inviolable confidentiality of the sacrament, Father Montero said the priest is like a tomb where sins are buried. They no longer exist—they’re forgiven and forgotten.

As ministers of reconciliation, priests recognize their need for forgiveness and mercy, and therefore had a chance to go to confession on the study day.

“We not only revisited our own technique,” said Father Montero, “in going to confession, we had a chance for personal and sacramental renewal.”

The workshop was also an occasion for priestly community and camaraderie.

“You see that your concerns, questions, worries and doubts are not only yours—but shared by brother priests,” said Father Montero. “It rekindled my zeal for ministry.”