New video update & reflection from Fr. Schalk
Click the link at the bottom of this email to watch today's video reflection by Fr. Schalk on "How to Pray With Technology?"
Livestream Mass Upate
We are very grateful to see the positive response to the live-stream Masses on facebook and thank you for many ways in which you've shared Jesus and the gift of the Holy Mass with friends and family through social media.
We also thank you for your patience through the technical difficulties we've experienced. We have taken steps to remedy the volume and are currently exploring different option and solutions to prevent the livestream from freezing and cutting out.
As a reminder, you do not need a facebook page to view the livestream Masses. All you need to do is go to https://www.facebook.com/christthekingcolumbus/ and scroll down to view the Masses.
Confession Update
Under the stay-at-home order from Governor Dewine and directives from the Diocese, Christ the King, along with other parishes in Columbus, are temporarily suspending the Sacrament of Confession. We are absolutely heartbroken by the recent turn of events and are praying with greater fervor and hope to see the Sacraments celebrated publicly again.
What can we do? As Catholics, we believe the Lord's forgiveness has no bounds and that when the Sacrament of Confession is not available, we can still turn to Him who never ceases to withdraw his mercy from us. Pope Francis recently spoke about what Catholics should do when they are unable to go to Confession:
"...many will say to me today: “But, Father, where can I find a priest, a confessor, because one can’t leave home? And I want to make peace with the Lord, I want Him to embrace me, that my Papa embrace me. What can I do if I can’t find priests?” Do what the Catechism says; it’s very clear: if you don’t find a priest to hear your Confession, talk with God, He is your Father, and tell Him the truth” Lord, I’ve done this, and that, and that . . . I’m sorry,” and ask Him for forgiveness with all your heart, with the Act of Contrition and promise Him: “Afterwards I will go to Confession, but forgive me now.” And you will return to God’s grace immediately. As the Catechism teaches, you yourself can approach God’s forgiveness without having a priest at hand. Think: it’s the moment! And this is the right moment, the opportune moment. And Act of Contrition well made, and so our soul will become white as snow. It would be good if today this “return” resounded in our ears, “return to your Papa, return to your Father.” He is waiting for you and He will celebrate you.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church, N. 1452, says: “When it arises from a love by which God is loved above all else, contrition is called ‘perfect’ - contrition of charity. Such contrition remits venial sins; it also obtains forgiveness of mortal sins if it includes the firm resolution to have recourse to sacramental confession as soon as possible.”
During these challenging times, let us continue to do our best to humbly follow the directives of our leaders and allow the Lord to use this opportunity to instill in us an even greater desire for Him and the Sacraments.