Q. What is required of us when we come to the Eucharist?
A. It is required that we should examine our lives, repent of our sins, and be in love and charity with all people. BCP 860
Confession of Sin
A Confession of Sin is said here if it has not been said earlier. On
occasion, the Confession may be omitted. BCP 359
What is the boundary established by this rubric?
On Sunday last I visited a lovely church, in another diocese. The music was lovely, the people friendly, and the worship space was perhaps the best example of built-for-PowerPoint I have ever seen.
This was the principal Sunday service, they had a 8:00 RI and this RII at 10:30.
The theme was Stewardship. The hangings were green and the proper of the day was read, not the All Saints readings. They were one Sunday short of turning in their pledge cards, the sermon included 2 lay witnesses, and the Litany of Thanksgiving was used as the Prayers of the People.
There was no Confession or Absolution.
I know some clergy for whom "On Occasion" means a guild or class Eucharist, but never at a principal Sunday service, that is pretty much my own position. I know others who omit the Confession in every white season.
Since the first bullet in the Bishops list is:
- our particular manner of Sacramental ministry
With regard to Confession, what is our particular manner?
2 comments:
My short answer is this. We were taught in seminary by our then liturgics professor (now bishop of Atlanta) that the confession could be omitted during the entire season of Easter. Presumably it was because of the celebratory nature of the season. I don't see a rubric which defines, "on occasion." But it's clear that the confession is intended to be said on a regular basis. I don't feel quite right recieving the sacrament without having confessed first. (Which makes it hard at weddings) Does anyone find rubrics that permit us to have a confession of sin in the matrimony rite?
I think alot of people are being taught to omit for the Great 50 Days. Although I have not noticed any fall-off in my own sinfulness on a seasonal basis.
I have never had a chance to question one of these teachers on their reasoning.
On Weddings:
I like to use a seperate Reconcilliation as a part of the couple's prep, especally if it is a 2nd try for either. Usually at the last session before the Rehersal.
It is a wonderful way to make a fresh start, introduce them to the fullness of the Sacrament and hopefully plant a seed that will serve them in married life.
But that does leave the congregation out.
I'm not sure how many would buy-into using A Penitental Order as the Entrance Rite?
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