Confession

What a gloomy start to the service!?

Of course, it’s nothing of the sort.

Instead, think of the Confession as a welcome and liberating fresh start.

Fr Jack writes: ‘I used to think this need to confess at the start of most acts of worship could be a little overdone, but as I have grown into adulthood, and aware of my shortcomings both inherent and systematic, and also the stupid stuff I think, say and do day by day - I am more and more grateful for this space to articulate and let go of those barnacles of life week by week’.

Each week we gather up the life of the week behind us, and have a fresh start as we begin again. A one-on-one Sacramental Confession with the help of a priest is also a very helpful tool for life. It’s not just for Roman Catholics and Orthodox. Whilst less common in the Church of England, it is still there to help everyone. Speak to one of the clergy if you’re interested.

In the monastery, the monks or nuns end each day with Compline: Night Prayer. It begins with a confession. They wipe clean all the emotional, spiritual, relational mud they have acquired in the course of the day, and ready themselves for a good night’s sleep, and, when it comes, a good death. 

Confession is a gift.