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?
