With worldly distractions constantly competing for our attention, it's easy to overlook the profound power of reconciliation and repentance. Yet, within the sacred tradition of our Catholic faith, the sacrament of penance offers a path to spiritual renewal and healing.
At the heart of this sacrament lies the Act of Contrition, a prayer that encapsulates the essence of sincere repentance. Through its words, we express remorse for our sins, seek forgiveness from God, and commit to amend our ways. It serves as a bridge between the penitent and God, paving the way for forgiveness and spiritual healing.
Students in our 31 Catholic schools know this prayer and recognize its importance in a Christian life. Last year, Bishop Walkowiak asked that time be set aside at the end of each school day for all Catholic school students to begin to reflect and then pray together with an Act of Contrition. The practice has been transformational for many, but specifically for the Fereguson family who enrolled this year at Divine Providence Academy.
Mom, Kelli Fereguson, said, “Now, fast forward to a couple weeks into the school year, I picked Elijah from school and I asked him what he learned that day. Most know that when we ask our kids what they learned the answer is always, ‘I don’t remember.’ This time it was different, I could see his face light up as he began to answer my question. ‘I learned the Act of Contrition!’ He then began to recite the entire prayer word for word. …Right then and there I knew without a doubt this was the school that was going to give him everything that he needed to succeed.” (Hear Kelli’s testimonial here.)
Through this prayer and an examination of conscience, Catholics school students engage in self-reflection and personal growth. Then, in the sacrament of reconciliation, they are able to find solace, renewal, and the embrace of divine mercy. What a gift!
We invite you to receive this gift too! Tomorrow night, March 14, parishes within the Diocese of Grand Rapids will receive penitents in an event called “The Light is On for You.” It is an evening centered around this intimate sacrament, inviting believers to experience the transformative grace of confession. Most priests will start hearing individual confessions at 5 p.m. and end at 8 p.m., but some are promising to stay until everyone is heard. Click this link for more information: https://grdiocese.org/penance/