St. John the Baptist is one of the central figures in the season of Advent. In today's Gospel, our parish patron saint "proclaims a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins." We are to "prepare the way of the Lord, and make straight his paths."  (Luke 3:4)
The most effective way to prepare the way of the Lord, and make straight His paths, is by celebrating the Sacrament of Reconciliation.  In this sacrament, we name our sins before a priest, who represents Christ. We face our failings honestly and accept responsibility for our sins. Through the powerful grace of absolution, the path is then made straight for the Lord to enter our lives more deeply. 
Next week, we will have several opportunities to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation here at St. John's. Two communal services will be offered, plus several additional times for individual confessions. According to the Church's teaching, the communal services should also offer penitents the opportunity for individual confession and absolution, because, "individual and integral confession and absolution constitute the only ordinary way by which the faithful person who is aware of serious sin is reconciled with God and with the Church."  (Canon 960)
The recently published United States Catholic Catechism for Adults gives a good summary explanation of the different forms of this sacrament:
"There are three rites of Reconciliation... In the first rite, which is the most familiar, the penitent goes to a reconciliation room or a traditional confessional and either confesses face to face with the priest or kneels behind a screen to confess the sins. In the second rite, which usually happens in Advent or Lent, there is a communal service during which the Scripture is read and a homily is given. This is followed by individual confession and individual absolution.
"General confession and absolution is the third rite and is used only in extraordinary situations, danger of death, or an insufficient number of confessors so that 'penitents would be deprived of sacramental grace or holy communion for a long period of time through no fault of their own' (Canon 961)... Those penitents guilty of serious or grave sin are expected to make an individual confession as soon as possible but certainly within a year of receiving general absolution. Judgment as to whether the conditions for general absolution are present is a matter not for the confessor, but for the diocesan bishop to determine... the guidance of norms established by the Holy See."

We are very fortunate that Archbishop Flynn will preside and preach at our two communal penance services next week, on Sunday and Thursday. We will also have a sufficient number of confessors present (20 at both services) for individual confessions and absolution. Perhaps some might be anxious because they haven't confessed individually to a priest for a long time. I can assure you, all the priests will be very understanding and kind!   If you

are unsure what to say, just ask the priest and he will help you. Only mortal sins must be confessed, but we are also
encouraged to confess some or all of our venial sins. If you have questions whether something is a sin or not, consult a good examination of conscience guide (one was mailed to you recently), or ask the priest. 

If you don't have any mortal sins to confess, you don't necessarily have to approach a priest for absolution.  Still, we are encouraged to receive this sacrament regularly. Doing so helps a person to grow in one's awareness of sin, and to grow in virtue.   
At our communal penance services, the confessors will be stationed in various places throughout the church. When you approach the priest, begin by stating when your last confession was (approximately), and then confess the sins you have committed since your last confession, briefly and succinctly. For any mortal sins, be sure to indicate the number of times, or how often. The confessor may give a few words of counsel. He will then give you a penance, and then extend his hand and pray the words of absolution. Listen to the beautiful words of absolution, and say "Amen" at the end, as you make the sign of the cross. There's no need to say an act of contrition since that will be done communally.  For those who are not physically able to approach one of the confessors, please let an usher know, and a priest will come to you. 
The Sacrament of Reconciliation is, next to the Eucharist, the most important thing a priest offers for his people. In this sacrament, God the Father's love is given generously to His children. Those who humbly and regularly receive this sacrament experience a tremendous joy and peace. The grace of the sacrament enables one to grow in virtue, in love of God and neighbor. Our participation in this sacrament also advances the cause of peace and reconciliation in our Church and in our world. This Advent, let us all take advantage of this powerful way to make straight the path of the Lord.

• 4^th Sunday of Advent, December 24 Masses: Saturday, December 23, 4:30 p.m.; and Sunday, December 24, 7:30 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. No 11:15 a.m. Mass!
  
  
• Christmas Eve Festival Masses: Sunday, December 24, 6:00 p.m. (incense free); 8:00 p.m. and 12:00 Midnight (solemn). No 6:15 p.m. Mass!