Who said Confession was out of fashion? Not at St Ann's, Banstead!

'There will be more rejoicing in heaven over one repentant sinner than over the ninety-nine virtuous men who have no need of repentance.' (Luke 15)

What a super crowd we had at our parish penitential service last night. I am very grateful to my brother priests from the Deanery who kindly came along to assist me in hearing Confessions. We were four priests all together and were busy for quite a while - Laus Deo!

Talks by the Friars - 2 . . .

Last night once again we had an almost full hall to hear the 2nd of our talks given by the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal. Brother John Bosco gave an excellent talk on the Sacrament of Reconciliation underpinned by the teaching from the Catechism of the Catholic Church.

It was very well received by those present which included parents of our First Holy Communion children and other members of the parish. I was delighted to see many of our Confirmation group present too.

I have already received a very good response and feedback from people who were able to attend.

Now, we're all looking forward to the third and final talk, on the subject of Prayer which will take place on

Tuesday 1st December at 7.45 pm for 8pm.

A visit from Joanna Bogle ...

I was delighted to welcome the well-known Catholic writer and broadcaster, Joanna Bogle, to the parish yesterday evening to speak with our First Holy Communion Parents about the Sacrament of Confession.

Joanna spoke of the desire God has planted in human hearts to seek forgiveness; she reminded us that no sin is 'too big' to be forgiven so long as we show sorrow for our sins.

Our children are very aware of the difference between what is 'right and what is 'wrong'. She stressed the importance of leading children by example; reiterating that celebrating the Sacrament of Confession is a' good exercise' to do as a family. It is important to confess our sins regularly though also very good to come together during Advent and Lent for a parish celebration of the Sacrament.

Joanna continued with this good advice: The priest will always help the penitent, remember that NOTHING shocks him.

The talk was well received by the parents; some commented that they would have liked to have had an opportunity to make their Confession immediately after the talk. I must remember that for next time!

Confessions ...

It is one the great delights and privileges of a priest to be able to offer people the Sacrament of Penance.

Here at St Ann's, as well as the usual times for weekly Confessions on Saturday morning and evening, I am very pleased to be available for Confession after each of the Masses on the first Sunday of the month.

This time is especially helpful, I feel, as people have already come to Mass and don't need to make another extra trip to come to Confession.

It is so uplifting for me as a priest to see parishioners, including parents with their children, queueing up for Confession after Sunday Mass.

Times for Confession:

Saturday:
10.30 am to 11.30 am
5.00 pm to 6.00 pm

First Sunday of the month: After every Mass

And at call

ST ANNE'S SCHOOL CONFESSIONS

I have spent three days in our parish primary school this week confessing the Junior School children.

I always find this experience very rewarding. The humble, simple sincerity of the children's approach to the Sacrament is very uplifting. I come away each day with a spring in my step. They have been well prepared by their teachers, catechists and parents - and it shows.

How encouraging it is too when members of staff also take this opportunity to celebrate the Sacrament, and what an excellent example this is to our children.

Congratulations and well done to all concerned.