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To: Rodney King

"I have gotten her to accept that the Catholic Church is the Church founded by Christ, however she thinks it has gone totally astray. Anyway, her major problem is the refusal to accept the idea of confessing to men i.e. Priests. Anyone have any advice?"

I know other people have said stuff (and a lot better than I could), but I'll throw my 2cents in anyways...

You can be convinced intellectually of the need for Confession/Penance (however you like to call it) but there is nothing like actually going to Confession yourself. Afterwards, it is like you are floating in midair. (Similarly, Scott Hahn in his (excellent) book Lord Have Mercy likens it to Christ raising Lazarus from the dead.)

But don't neglect the effect of Confession while actually in the confessional. I know before I enter the confessional sometimes I will think I have prepared myself well, knowing my sins, etc., but once inside I have been silenced by the process, taking a while to even begin speaking. And then also, there is something about it that just makes you realize truly what sin does to the soul, and how grave our sins are.

Consider reading "Pardon and Peace" by a one Father Alfred Wilson. It's old, hard to find, but well worth the trouble. You can find "Lord Have Mercy" at any old Catholic bookstore; it's newer than Fr. Wilson's, so you might prefer that one just as well.

Also, here's a tip: find an excellent confessor. Although any priest is perfectly good for confession, there are some that have a very keen mind in determining our spiritual sicknesses, and their corresponding remedies.


28 posted on 09/29/2005 1:39:49 PM PDT by tlRCta (St. Joseph, pray for us!)
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To: tlRCta

Thanks. I really appreciate it.


29 posted on 09/29/2005 1:41:43 PM PDT by Rodney King (No, we can't all just get along.)
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