"The more time we spend with Jesus, particularly in the celebration of Eucharist and Reconciliation, the more we begin to look like him, which means that when people see us, they also see Jesus. This is the point of the sacramental life: to become who and what we receive."
A Flourishing Apostolic Church encourages the faithful to, "considering participating in the Sacraments of Confession and Eucharist more often." At a minimum, Catholics should be attending Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of obligation as well as going to Confession once a year to confession serious sins. But as Bishop Malesic writes:
But why settle for the minimum when we can do so much more? Strive for more in your spiritual life. Strive for that deep and personal relationship that Jesus wants to have with you.
As noted above, frequently reception of the sacraments allows us to become more like and look like Jesus, which in turn, allows others to see Him through us. Below are some simple resources to help properly prepare for Mass and Confession.
"In Confession, Jesus uses his priest to be an instrument of love and forgiveness. He wants you to hear with your own ears, 'I absolve you from your sins.'"
Making a good confession is not simply an act to absolve us of our sins, but an experience in God's mercy. By going to confession on a regular basis, one can experience the love of God.
Click here to visit our Confession/Penance page with resources on how to prepare for confession and a short video and guide on how to go to confession.
The Eucharist is the source and summit of our lives.
"At the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, Jesus comes to us under the signs of bread and wine. He is truly present there. He wants to feed us with his very life. He gives himself to us, once again, as a sacrifice of love for us. And, at the Mass, we do our best to give ourselves to him in return."
In preparing to go to Mass, consider spending time in prayer reading the scriptures for that day's celebration. Click here to access the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops' website with the readings (both in text and audio) for every day of the year.
Visit our Daily Prayer page for addition suggestions on prayer.
Need to find a parish near you? Click here to use our parish locator to find a parish in your area. And as always, contact the parish to confirm Mass and confession dates and times as some parishes add additional opportunities during Advent and Lent.
Child & Youth Protection
Our promise to protect, our pledge to heal.
To report an abuse, please contact local law enforcement and:
Kathleen McComb, Victim Assistance Coordinator
Response Services – 216-334-2999
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