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Adult Reconciliation
On Wednesday evening of Holy Week and also about a week
before Christmas, St. Barbara Parish celebrates a beautiful liturgy of Reconciliation. For
most members of the parish, the communal penance celebration is the primary expression of
forgiveness of sin during that particular period of the Church Year. Members of the
congregation always seem to bring a mood of heightened expectation to the crowded
services. While the liturgy tends to be rather "adult," many teens and children
also participate along with their parents.
Special scripture texts for the communal penance celebrations focus on
how God makes all things new through our baptism and how we renew that life when we seek
forgiveness of our sins. In song, silent prayer, communal examination of conscience and
Scriptural reflection we celebrate the new life we have in the Lord through our baptism
and the forgiveness of our sins.
When the liturgy is over many people like to remain in the softly lighted church to
rest quietly with our forgiving God. The musicians play meditation music that enhances the
mood of peace that comes over us, knowing we are forgiven and beloved of God.
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